A deepening crisis engulfed the PDP on Saturday as the party expelled Nyesom Wike and 10 other leaders for alleged anti-party activities, prompting backlash from governors and renewed legal disputes.
The Peoples Democratic Party descended into deeper crisis on Saturday following the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and 10 other top figures over alleged anti-party activities, according to a report from the party’s 20th National Convention in Ibadan.
The decision was adopted by delegates at the Lekan Salami Stadium after a motion moved by Chief Olabode George and seconded by Bauchi PDP Chairman Samaila Burga.
Those expelled include former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih.
The convention also confirmed Umaru Damagum as substantive National Chairman, but the development triggered revolt among governors loyal to him.
Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang publicly dissociated themselves from the expulsions, with Fintiri warning that the move could plunge the party into “unending crisis.”
The convention proceeded despite multiple court orders halting it. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had restrained the PDP and INEC from holding or recognising the exercise after former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido was denied a nomination form to contest the chairmanship.
The expelled members, including Amah and Turner, dismissed the gathering as “unlawful” and “procedurally defective,” citing the absence of INEC and ongoing litigation.
Amid the turmoil, governors of Rivers, Osun, and Taraba—Fubara, Adeleke, and Agbu—shunned the convention, prompting fears they may dump the party.
The PDP also dissolved party structures in Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states as the crisis widened.