The state vice president of the National Democratic South-South (PDP) Dan Orbih asserted that the party could not indicate his personal relationship or friendship.
Orbih, who recently returned to the position, commented in an interview posted on Sunday, and he was concerned about his connections with the Federal Minister of Capital and Territory (FCT) (Nyesom Wike).
Orbih answers questions about his relationship with Wike, stressing that his political affiliation with PDP does not define who he chooses to associate with. He noted that despite his party loyalty, he maintained friendships in various political affiliations.
“Let me make it clear here that my PDP members are unable to identify those friends and those who should be my enemies.
“If I were at my age, I was a party now and the party told me that this person could not be your friend…I have friends on the board. I have friends in Labour, I have friends in APC, I have friends in many other parties, but that would not affect my membership and commitment to PDP,” Obi said.
Naija News It was reported that Orbih further emphasized his long-term friendship with Wike (he described it as a “reliable, hard-working friend” although political differences often surfaced between Vick and the PDP leadership.
Regarding Wick’s decision to accept ministerial positions in President Bora Tinubu’s administration, Olby said it was “non-issue”.
He explained that Wike had informed PDP before agreeing to serve in the APC-led administration, insisting that Wike’s role is to serve the federal government rather than the APC.
Orbih clarified, “You know, we have to be very cautious with the members. Now I’ve told you that his involvement is not a problem, except for those naughty people.”
He further added that when Wick was invited to join the federal government, he informed the organs of the parties and raised no objections.
PDP officials said “When he was invited to serve in this government, he wrote to every critical body of the party informing them that the President invited him to join his government. Let me see any evidence of these bodies, which after being appointed said: ‘Please do not be a part of the government.’
Orbih also noted that none of them raised concerns about his ministerial appointment at a meeting held by Wike with the official residence of the board members.
To defend Wick’s position, Orbih stressed that as Minister of Territory of the Federal Capital, Wike served the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not all Progressive Assembly (APC).
“Wike, the glorious minister of the Federal Capital Territory, does not work for the APC; he works for the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Orbih asserts.