The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing renewed internal crisis after the expulsion of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and ten other senior members over alleged anti-party activities.
The decision, announced during the party’s 20th National Convention at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, has sparked outright rebellion from some governors. Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang distanced themselves from the expulsions, describing them as counterproductive and warning that the move could deepen divisions within the party.
The expelled officials include PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, Austin Nwachukwu, factional chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senators Mao Ohuabunwa, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih. A motion to expel them was moved by former National Vice Chairman Olabode George and seconded by Bauchi PDP Chairman Samaila Burga, before being ratified by delegates.
The move comes amid a backdrop of court battles and rival factions, with the Federal High Court in Abuja previously restraining the PDP from holding a convention that excluded former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido. Despite the injunction, the Damagum-led faction proceeded, claiming ignorance of the court order.
Expelled officials have strongly rejected the action, describing the convention as illegal and procedurally flawed. Abraham Amah and George Turner emphasised that ongoing litigation and the absence of INEC officials made the event invalid. Acting South-South PDP Publicity Secretary Enyinnaya Appolos echoed this, calling the convention “ill-fated” and contrary to due process.
Meanwhile, governors of Rivers, Osun, and Taraba states—Siminalayi Fubara, Ademola Adeleke, and Cephas Agbu—shunned the event entirely, fuelling speculation that they may leave the party. In a related development, the PDP dissolved party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, citing the need to ratify executives following completed congresses.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing renewed internal crisis after the expulsion of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and ten other senior members over alleged anti-party activities.
The decision, announced during the party’s 20th National Convention at Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, has sparked outright rebellion from some governors. Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang distanced themselves from the expulsions, describing them as counterproductive and warning that the move could deepen divisions within the party.
The expelled officials include PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, Austin Nwachukwu, factional chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senators Mao Ohuabunwa, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih. A motion to expel them was moved by former National Vice Chairman Olabode George and seconded by Bauchi PDP Chairman Samaila Burga, before being ratified by delegates.
The move comes amid a backdrop of court battles and rival factions, with the Federal High Court in Abuja previously restraining the PDP from holding a convention that excluded former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido. Despite the injunction, the Damagum-led faction proceeded, claiming ignorance of the court order.
Expelled officials have strongly rejected the action, describing the convention as illegal and procedurally flawed. Abraham Amah and George Turner emphasised that ongoing litigation and the absence of INEC officials made the event invalid. Acting South-South PDP Publicity Secretary Enyinnaya Appolos echoed this, calling the convention “ill-fated” and contrary to due process.
Meanwhile, governors of Rivers, Osun, and Taraba states—Siminalayi Fubara, Ademola Adeleke, and Cephas Agbu—shunned the event entirely, fuelling speculation that they may leave the party.
In a related development, the PDP dissolved party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states, citing the need to ratify executives following completed congresses.
