By Gabriel Enogholase

THE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has become messier with the Edo State chapter of the party led by Chief Dan Orbih suspending one of the governorship aspirants, Mr. Matthew Iduoryeikemwen and recommending disciplinary measures for a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Ehiozuwa Agbonnayima.

The party said that the decision to suspend Mr. Iduoriyekemwen for one month was taken at a meeting of the Edo State Working Committee of the PDP which met yesterday. The party also said it had recommended Rep. Agbonnayima to the national body of the PDP for appropriate disciplinary action.

The party described the behaviour of Iduoriyekemwen as unacceptable, irresponsible and selfish, pointing out that the aspirant teamed up with claimant to the position of national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ali-Modu Sheriff, by purchasing what was described as a kangaroo nomination form for the same governorship slot he lost just a few days ago.

In a communiqué at a media briefing held at the state secretariat of the party in Benin, yesterday, State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said Iduoriyekemwen’s behavior and utterances immediately after losing the PDP primaries on June 20 have become not only embarrassing to the party but also to the vast majority of Edo people, who were yearning for a change of government and party.

He disclosed that the State Working Committee has uncovered an alliance between some people within the PDP and the Governor Adams Oshiomhole led government of Edo State to destabilize Edo PDP ahead of the September 10 gubernatorial election.