PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike and 10 Others Expelled at National Convention

The leadership turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party intensified on Saturday as the party expelled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and 10 senior party figures over allegations of anti-party activities.
The decision came during the PDP’s 20th National Convention at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Others removed from the party include former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade and Austin Nwachukwu.
Also expelled were factional chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Abraham Amah, George Turner and Chief Dan Orbih.

A motion for their removal was presented by former South National Vice Chairman Chief Olabode George and supported by Bauchi PDP Chairman Samaila Burga before delegates adopted it. Delegates also confirmed Umaru Damagum as the PDP’s substantive National Chairman.

The convention exposed renewed friction as Governors Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau disowned the expulsion. Fintiri who chaired the organising committee withdrew from the process due to the absence of INEC officials and pending court orders.

Tension had been rising ahead of the event after former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido challenged the party’s refusal to allow him purchase the nomination form for the national chairmanship race.
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court issued an order stopping the convention and barring INEC from recognising any process that excluded Lamido. He ruled that Lamido was unlawfully denied the chance to contest.

Justice Lifu’s position aligned with a similar earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho.
However, the Oyo State High Court permitted the PDP to proceed after granting an ex parte request filed by party member Folahan Adelabi. The Damagum faction relied on the Oyo ruling and moved ahead.

The PDP announced the expulsions on X, explaining that the party must eliminate internal sabotage to stabilise its leadership.
The party cited Articles 10(6) and 58(1)(b)(c)(f)(i)(j)(l) as well as 59(1)(g) of its Constitution to defend the action. South West PDP Chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe said Wike’s removal was overdue, insisting he tried to destroy the party.
He clarified that Lamido was not affected and described him as a respected leader who only protested his blocked nomination.

Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the FCT Minister, described the convention as a comedy show, saying the organisers only gathered for amusement.

Fintiri later warned that expelling Wike could plunge the party into deeper chaos and urged leaders to prioritise reconciliation.
Plateau Governor Mutfwang also dissociated himself, saying the action was not discussed at the Governors Forum or NEC.

Abia PDP Chairman Abraham Amah and South South PDP Secretary George Turner described the convention as illegal due to subsisting court cases and the absence of INEC.
Both argued that the gathering had no legal standing.

Acting South South Publicity Secretary Enyinnaya Appolos said the event violated multiple court judgments and lacked procedural credibility.

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and Taraba Governor Cephas Agbu were absent from the convention.
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said their absence signaled possible defection.
APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru confirmed that Agbu would join the APC on November 19.

The convention also dissolved party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Rivers.
Governor Seyi Makinde moved the motion while National Auditor Daniel Okechukwu seconded it.
The PDP said congresses held across 2024 and 2025 complied with its constitution and the Electoral Act.