Ex PDP South South National Vice-chairman, Dan Orbih Passes On

by Idahosa Musa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost one of its influential voices and prominent South-South political figures, Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, who died on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Orbih, a former National Vice Chairman of the PDP and close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reportedly died at a time political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections are gathering momentum across the country.

His death has thrown his family, political associates and supporters into mourning, with tributes expected to pour in from across the political divide for the veteran politician who played significant roles in the affairs of the PDP.

The deceased, until his death, was the Chairman of the Governing Board of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Orbih family, in a statement signed by Francis Udukhomoi Orbih, Esq., announced his death with “profound sadness and a heavy heart,” while declaring its total submission to the will of the Almighty God.

Orbih’s political influence extended beyond Edo State, particularly through his activities within the PDP and his association with the Wike political camp.

His death is therefore coming at a critical period when the opposition party is grappling with internal realignments and intense political calculations ahead of 2027.

The veteran politician is survived by his wife, Mrs Florence Orbih; his children, Ms Winifred Anwosiobor Orbih and Dr Mildred Omonemi Orbih; his brothers and sisters, as well as other members of his extended family.

The family appealed to relatives, friends and well-wishers to remember them in prayers as they mourn what it described as a painful loss.

“At this difficult time, we ask family members, friends and well-wishers to remember the entire family in their prayers as we mourn this painful loss,” the statement said.

It added that details of the funeral arrangements and other information concerning his burial would be released in due course.

Orbih’s death is expected to reverberate across Edo and the wider South-South political landscape, coming less than a year to the 2027 elections, as political parties and their leading figures intensify efforts to consolidate their structures and influence in the region.