THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday expelled several high-profile members, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; and former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, during its national convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
News Point Nigeria reports that the dramatic decision was set in motion when Chief Olabode George, a former National Vice Chairman (South), moved a motion for the expulsion of the affected chieftains on the convention floor. The motion was immediately seconded by Hon. Samaila Burga, Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State.
The move comes after days of internal tension, legal battles, and a fierce push by the Wike-aligned faction to halt the convention entirely.
Ahead of Saturday’s event, Wike’s loyalists had approached the courts in an attempt to stop the convention from holding. However, the PDP secured favourable judgment from an Oyo State High Court, giving the party the legal green light to proceed.
Despite this, the faction insisted that the Ibadan gathering was illegitimate.
Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) in the Wike-led faction, publicly dismissed the convention, saying it held no legal weight.
He argued that the National Working Committee (NWC) of their faction had agreed to obey court rulings and therefore would not participate in what he described as a “jamboree.”
“Ibadan is a public place; people can go there for anything but not for convention,” Ohuabunwa stated.
“Anyone attending should simply go to relax. We are not part of the exercise.”
He also said that Senator Anyanwu had issued a circular announcing the postponement of the convention.
The faction’s acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammad, urged delegates nationwide to boycott the convention, insisting that the proper time for a lawful convention would come.
He emphasized that their camp remained committed to rebuilding the PDP into a stronger, more united opposition.
Reacting to the unfolding developments, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended his loyalists for “defending the PDP” and maintaining firmness amid the crisis.
He insisted that his group would continue to uphold the rule of law and resist internal intimidation.
“I will continue to support you. I won’t betray you,” Wike assured his supporters.