ABUJA — Samuel Anyanwu, the factional national secretary of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party, has dismissed his expulsion from the party, denouncing the weekend convention in Ibadan as a “jamboree” that lacked legitimacy and excluded key states.
Appearing on national television hours after the PDP announced his removal alongside several prominent figures, Anyanwu argued that the convention was fundamentally flawed. “Sixteen states had not even done their congresses; the entire South‑East has not done theirs,” he said. “All that happened yesterday was a jamboree.”
The PDP’s Ibadan convention, which stretched from Saturday into early Sunday, culminated in the expulsion of several high‑profile members accused of anti‑party activities, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Imo PDP Chairman Austin Nwachukwu. The motion was moved by veteran party leader Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Buga, before being put to a voice vote by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum. Delegates overwhelmingly endorsed the expulsions, signaling the party’s determination to confront internal dissent.
Anyanwu, however, insisted that the committee announcing his expulsion lacked legal standing. He pointed to a court order he said invalidated earlier attempts to suspend him. “Who expelled me? What platform do they have to expel me?” he asked, dismissing the Tom Ikimi‑led committee as powerless.
The clash underscores the deepening factionalism within Nigeria’s main opposition party, which has struggled to maintain cohesion since losing power in 2015. Analysts warn that expelling figures like Wike and Fayose could alienate entire blocs of supporters, while loyalists argue the move is necessary to restore discipline ahead of future elections. “This is about discipline and survival,” said one delegate in Ibadan. “If we don’t act now, the PDP will collapse under the weight of indiscipline.”
Critics countered that the expulsions could backfire. “Expelling heavyweights like Wike and Fayose risks fragmenting the party further,” said a political analyst in Abuja. “It may be a short‑term show of strength but a long‑term strategic blunder.”
Legal observers also questioned whether the expulsions would withstand judicial scrutiny, given Anyanwu’s reference to existing court orders. “The courts may yet overturn these decisions, which would embarrass the party leadership,” one constitutional lawyer noted.
Public sentiment reflected the divide. On social media, some praised the PDP for “cleaning house,” while others dismissed the convention as a factional power grab. “This is not reform, it’s revenge,” one user wrote.
For the PDP, the Ibadan convention was meant to project strength and unity. Instead, it has reignited questions about legitimacy, inclusiveness, and the party’s ability to manage dissent — a reminder of the fragile balance between discipline and division in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
