In a dramatic turn at the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, the major opposition party has taken the bold step of expelling Nyesom Wike, the controversial FCT Minister, along with former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, Party’s National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and eight other senior party members.
The motion to expel was moved by veteran party stalwart Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, with delegates supporting it by voice vote.
The party justified the expulsions on grounds of “anti-party activities,” claiming that the individuals had acted in ways that undermined PDP unity.
Others expelled are:
Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah, Dan Orbih, Mao Chuambuwa, AbdulRahman Mohammed
In response, Wike’s camp dismissed the convention’s proceedings as more of a “party” than serious politics.
According to his spokesman, the gathering was akin to starting “Detty December in November,” full of revelry and not serious business.
They argue that the delegates, “after indulging in drinks,” made rash decisions that should not be taken at face value.
Wike’s camp also claims that his expulsion is part of a larger scheme to sideline influential voices within the party rather than a genuine effort to restore discipline.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has publicly distanced himself from the expulsion motion. He said it was never discussed in the PDP Governors’ Forum or at the NEC level — saying the expulsions were “ill-timed” and warning that such moves may deepen internal divisions.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has also dissociated from the decision, emphasising that his priority is peace and reconciliation, not purging party elders.
This purge appears more than just disciplinary action — it signals a power shift in the PDP. By removing big names like Wike and Fayose, the party seems intent on consolidating control and closing ranks ahead of future electoral battles. But the backlash — especially from prominent governors — suggests this move may deepen, not heal, the internal fault lines.
Political analysts fear for PDP saying it may lead to fragmentation, because expelling the heavyweights may alienate their supporters, risking defections or fractures.
The “party-style” of convention, as Wike’s camp describes it, could tarnish the PDP’s image as a stable national alternative.
With the 2027 elections less than two years away, and such major internal disputes, the PDP might struggle to present a united front against rivals ahead of the 2027 polls.
