By Simon Ebegbulem
BENIN—THE long running crisis that factionalised Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State was resolved, yesterday, as former governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia and former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, withdrew as patrons of the rival factions opposed to the mainstream leadership headed by Chief Dan Orbih.

The two leaders, in a joint statement, said that their names should be withdrawn as patrons of the rival Elder Sunny Uyigue faction of the party, alleged to be supportive of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, government in the state.

The crisis in party had seen Ogbemudia and Akhigbe at parallel with the mainstream of the party led by Chief Tony Anenih.

They said in the statement that factional activities after the recent congresses, which installed Orbih as state chairman, were “outdated and anachronistic.”

Orbih, yesterday, welcomed the reconciliation, saying: “For me, all is now set for us to take over the government of Edo State from Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.”

The reconciliation was sequel to a meeting between Ogbemudia and national leadership of the party, reportedly at the instance of the presidency.

It was learnt that Ogbemudia and Admiral Akhigbe were urged to sheath their swords at the meeting, which had Chief Anenih in attendance.