Ibadan, Oyo State – November 15, 2025 – In a dramatic turn at the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) elective National Convention, the party has expelled several high-profile members, including Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, citing alleged anti-party activities. The move, ratified unanimously by delegates at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, underscores the PDP's ongoing internal fractures as it seeks to regroup ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention, which began on Saturday, November 15, and is set to continue into Sunday, November 16, drew over 3,000 delegates from 36 states and the FCT, though attendance was marred by boycotts from key figures, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several PDP governors. The expulsion motion was moved by Chief Bode George, a founding father of the PDP and former National Vice-Chairman (South-West), who accused the affected members of undermining the party's unity through litigation, parallel congresses, and support for rival political entities. It was seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, highlighting broad support among loyalists for what organizers described as a "landmark move to restore discipline and focus."
The full list of expelled members includes: Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, Samuel Anyanwu, National Organizing Secretary Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), factional Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah, George Turner, and Dan Orbih. According to the PDP's official statement on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the decision invokes Section 33(2) and Section 40 of the party's 2017 Constitution, which empower the National Executive Committee (NEC) to discipline members for actions detrimental to the party's interests.
This purge comes against a backdrop of protracted factionalism that has plagued the PDP since the 2023 presidential elections. The party's loss of power in 2015 and its failure to reclaim the presidency in 2023 have exacerbated tensions, particularly over leadership control and zoning formulas for key positions. Wike, once a PDP powerhouse credited with delivering Rivers State in multiple elections, became a lightning rod for controversy after his fallout with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 primaries. Wike's vocal criticism of Atiku's candidacy and his subsequent appointment as FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) administration were seen by many PDP stalwarts as the ultimate betrayal.
Fayose, a fiery two-term governor of Ekiti known for his populist style and unfiltered media presence, has similarly been accused of aligning with APC interests, including public endorsements that contradicted PDP campaigns. Anyanwu's role as a factional secretary, coupled with his involvement in court cases aimed at halting the convention, further fueled perceptions of sabotage. George, in moving the motion, lambasted Wike specifically, calling his actions "despicable" and alleging he recruited others to "destroy the party from within." The expulsions, effective immediately, bar the individuals from holding any party office or participating in PDP activities for life, pending any appeals to the party's disciplinary committee.
The Ibadan convention itself was no stranger to legal and logistical hurdles. Prior to the event, multiple court injunctions—some secured by the expelled faction—sought to derail proceedings. An Abuja High Court had twice barred the PDP from holding the convention, while an Ibadan High Court countered with approvals, allowing it to proceed. Despite these battles, the atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with delegates chanting "PDP alive!" and waving banners calling for "unity and renewal." PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Adolphus Wabara praised the gathering as a "testament to the party's resilience," noting the dissolution of state executives in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Rivers as part of broader reforms.
However, the expulsions have ignited immediate backlash, threatening to widen the schism. Two PDP governors—Adamawa's Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and Plateau's Caleb Mutfwang—publicly distanced themselves from the decision. Fintiri, in a statement signed "AUF," argued that the move "is not in the best interest of the party" and could "plunge the PDP into unending crisis," emphasizing his commitment to "peace and reconciliation." Mutfwang echoed this, stating the issue "was never discussed by the Governors’ Forum or NEC" and rejecting any role in what he called an unconsulted action. On X, reactions ranged from jubilant endorsements by loyalists—such as "Finally, justice for PDP!"—to scathing critiques labeling the convention a "jamboree" by Wike allies like Mao Ohuabunwa, who urged delegates to boycott.
The expelled faction, led by Wike, has dismissed the convention as illegitimate. Ohuabunwa, BoT Chairman of the rival group, had earlier warned that the Ibadan event would hold "no legal effect," citing a circular from Anyanwu postponing it indefinitely. Wike himself, absent from the venue, has yet to issue a formal response, but sources close to him indicate plans for a counter-press conference in Abuja. Analysts warn that this could lead to parallel PDP structures, mirroring the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s pre-2015 infighting but with higher stakes for opposition unity.
Beyond the expulsions, the convention elected new leadership to steer the party forward. Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), former Minister of Special Duties, emerged as the consensus National Chairman after rival Senator Yakubu Lado withdrew, securing near-unanimous support. Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja was named National Secretary, with other positions filled amid cheers for a "fresh start." Senator Ben Obi oversaw the transparent voting, reinforcing the PDP's democratic credentials despite external skepticism.
Politically, the ramifications extend to Nigeria's broader landscape. With the PDP holding 11 governorships and a significant National Assembly presence, these expulsions could weaken its bargaining power against the APC, especially in the South-South and South-West zones where Wike and Fayose wield influence. Governor Mohammed, a key Atiku ally, hailed the decisions as "a purge of saboteurs," urging members to rally behind the new executive. Yet, as X users debated—with hashtags like #Ibadan2025 and #PDPCrisis trending—many fear this could accelerate defections, echoing the 2023 wave that saw figures like Governor Alex Otti join the Labour Party.
INEC's absence, justified by unresolved litigation, raises questions about the convention's recognition for future elections. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba defended the process, stating, "The party's constitution prevails over individual ambitions." As the dust settles, the PDP faces a critical test: Can it heal its wounds, or will this expulsion mark the beginning of its unraveling?
This development, unfolding in real-time on platforms like X, where posts from @OfficialPDPNig garnered thousands of engagements, highlights the PDP's precarious position as Nigeria's primary opposition. With 2027 looming, stakeholders from civil society to international observers will watch closely, as the party's internal democracy could shape the nation's electoral future.
