Wike-Led PDP Faction Expels, Governors, Top Leaders

By Victor Agu

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the expulsion of several key party figures.

This includes Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.

National Beam reports that the faction also dissolved the PDP state executive committees in Oyo, Bauchi, Ekiti, Zamfara, Edo, and Lagos.

The decisions were reached on Tuesday during the 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Other prominent members expelled include former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Minister and party chieftain Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN); Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; and several others, all accused of engaging in anti-party activities.

Presenting the memo for the expulsions, Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman said the affected individuals were sanctioned for disregarding court judgments and actions that, according to him, brought the party into disrepute.

The NEC communiqué, read by National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, highlighted the key decisions of the meeting.

According to the communiqué, NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who allegedly violated subsisting court orders by convening and attending an “unauthorized” convention, an act said to have triggered widespread confusion, factionalisation, and defections among governors and lawmakers.

NEC reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to constitutional order and discipline, stressing that the party derives its legitimacy from adherence to the PDP Constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The committee also received and adopted the Acting National Chairman’s report citing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct deemed injurious to the party’s image.

NEC subsequently approved disciplinary action against the following persons: Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

The NEC further directed Chief Ali Odefa to refund all salaries and allowances he received after his purported expulsion on December 12, 2024. It also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

Additionally, NEC endorsed the dissolution of PDP state executives in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti, and instructed the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately constitute caretaker committees and commence fresh congresses. The Edo State Exco led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva was, however, approved.

NEC also directed all deputy officers occupying NWC positions affected by expulsion to assume their roles in acting capacity.

The appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman was formally ratified.

The communiqué also mandated the legal team and NWC to initiate constitutional processes to recover seats of elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

As part of efforts to restore internal cohesion, NEC approved a nationwide reconciliation initiative as well as a membership audit and revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 elections.

While acknowledging concerns among party members, NEC stated that the decisions were aimed at restoring stability, discipline, and public confidence in the PDP.

“The era of indiscipline is over,” the communiqué declared. “The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition. With unity and renewed purpose, the party will rebuild stronger ahead of the next electoral cycle.”