Govt Revolts as Wike’s Expulsion Sparks Fresh Crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party entered a new phase of trouble on Saturday when the party removed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and 10 other top members for alleged anti-party actions. The expulsion took place during the PDP’s 20th National Convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where delegates approved the decision after a motion was raised and supported on the convention floor.

The expelled members include former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, the party’s National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, factional chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Dan Orbih. Delegates at the event also confirmed Umar Damagum as the party’s National Chairman, sealing his position after months of internal disputes.

The development triggered resistance among some governors, especially Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri and Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang. Both leaders rejected the decision, saying they were not part of any move to expel Wike. Fintiri told delegates that the convention lacked the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, adding that ongoing court cases made it difficult for him to take responsibility for the process. He later posted a message insisting that the expulsion would only deepen the party’s internal wounds and called for peace and unity.

The events at the convention followed weeks of legal battles. Former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido had gone to court after he was denied a chance to obtain the nomination form to contest for the party’s national chairmanship seat. Two rulings from the Federal High Court had ordered the PDP not to hold the convention, but a conflicting order from an Oyo State High Court directed the party to proceed and allowed INEC to monitor. Despite the federal orders, the Damagum faction carried on with the programme, saying they had no notice of the fresh ruling stopping the event.

After the expulsion was announced on X, the PDP stated that the decision was supported by delegates and was aimed at dealing with members whose conduct had caused divisions. South-West PDP chairman Kamorudeen Ajisafe said the action was overdue, though he clarified that Lamido was not part of the group facing sanctions. In response, the spokesperson to the FCT minister described the event in Ibadan as a social gathering and dismissed its outcome as meaningless.

More resistance came from those affected by the expulsion. Abraham Amah, PDP chairman in Abia State, insisted that the gathering was unlawful because several court cases were still pending. He said not all delegates from his state took part and claimed some attended only because of financial gains. George Turner, another expelled member, said the event had no legal foundation since INEC did not attend. The acting Publicity Secretary of the South-South PDP also issued a statement saying the gathering violated existing court orders and could not stand.

The crisis widened as three governors—Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Cephas Agbu of Taraba—did not attend the convention. Party insiders said their absence could mean they may leave the PDP. A party youth leader revealed that some of their colleagues were working against Adeleke’s future chances and warned that the Ibadan event carried no legal weight without INEC.

During the meeting, the PDP also dissolved party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states. The motion was moved on the convention floor and approved by delegates. The party explained that congresses held across the states between 2024 and 2025 had been reviewed, and the structures in the affected states were replaced due to unresolved issues.

As the crisis spreads, many party members are waiting for the Court of Appeal to make further pronouncements, while others warn that the current situation may weaken the PDP if reconciliation efforts do not begin soon.