The Peoples Democratic Party plunged deeper into crisis on Saturday after the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and 10 other prominent members triggered sharp reactions across the party’s national leadership and among state governors. The decision, announced during the PDP’s 20th National Convention in Ibadan, marked one of the most consequential disciplinary actions in the party’s recent history.
The convention, held at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Oyo State, drew thousands of delegates and leaders who arrived expecting routine deliberations. Instead, the session quickly evolved into a storm of accusations, rebuttals and fierce political maneuvering as the issue of alleged anti-party activities dominated conversations.
Party officials said Wike’s removal followed months of internal disputes, public clashes with PDP leaders and alleged fraternization with members of the ruling All Progressives Congress. The minister’s critics have long accused him of undermining the PDP’s cohesion, especially during the 2023 election cycle and in subsequent national political engagements.
Alongside Wike, the party expelled former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who had also been accused of publicly criticizing the PDP’s leadership and supporting rival candidates during critical electoral moments. His ouster added to concerns that the party’s internal conflict is widening rather than healing.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, was also expelled following accusations that he worked against the PDP in the Imo State governorship election. His supporters dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, arguing that the disciplinary measure was part of a larger campaign to silence dissenting voices ahead of future power realignments.
The National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Austin Nwachukwu were likewise removed. Party insiders said both men were linked to parallel decision-making structures that challenged the authority of the national leadership, although neither has publicly responded to the claims.
Others affected by the sweeping purge include the factional chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Abraham Amah; George Turner; and Chief Dan Orbih. Their expulsions signal what analysts describe as a far-reaching cleanup intended to unify the party under a single command structure following months of factional loyalty battles.
However, the disciplinary action has sparked backlash from some PDP governors who reportedly opposed the move and warned that it could deepen existing fractures. Some governors, according to sources at the convention, argued that expulsion at such a politically sensitive moment could weaken the party ahead of future elections and alienate key power blocs.
Calls for reconciliation were overshadowed by fierce debates on the convention floor, where delegates loyal to the affected figures accused the national leadership of conducting a purge rooted in personal grievances rather than genuine party interest. They insisted that dialogue, not expulsion, was the proper route.
Political observers say the fallout from the convention could dramatically reshape the PDP’s internal landscape. The expulsions have raised questions about whether the party is moving toward consolidation or fragmentation, especially with growing speculation about impending defections and counter-actions by loyalists of the expelled leaders.
As of Saturday night, none of the expelled members had issued a formal collective response, though sources close to Wike indicated that the minister may challenge the legality of the decision. The PDP leadership maintained that due process was followed and insisted that the expulsions were necessary to restore discipline, unity and credibility within the party.
The coming days are expected to determine whether the PDP can navigate the political shockwaves created by the mass expulsion or whether the action will ignite a full-scale internal revolt that could threaten its national relevance ahead of 2027.
