The Peoples Democratic Party is facing intense internal conflict after its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, produced Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman and also announced the expulsion of several prominent members including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Conflicting Court Orders
The convention was held despite conflicting court rulings. A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier restrained the PDP from conducting the convention and also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from supervising it.
However, an Oyo State High Court granted permission for the event to proceed and directed INEC to observe it.
Another court in Abuja also issued a ruling stopping the convention and directed that Sule Lamido be allowed to contest for the office of National Chairman.
Expulsions and Immediate Rejection
At the convention in Ibadan, the PDP adopted a motion presented by former Deputy National Chairman Bode George which resulted in the expulsion of Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, and other members accused of anti party activities.
The list of those expelled includes Umar Bature, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah, and Dan Orbih.
The Wike faction immediately rejected the action. Abdulrahman Mohammed, a key figure in the group, declared that the convention was not valid since it violated an existing court order.
Umar Bature also dismissed the action as illegal and without effect.
In addition, the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argued that the convention lacked legitimacy because only 17 out of the 37 state chapters were represented.
Governors Disagree
The crisis deepened as some PDP governors distanced themselves from the expulsions. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State said the decision was not discussed at the level of the PDP Governors Forum or the National Executive Committee.
They warned that expelling high profile members at such a sensitive moment could worsen the party’s already fragile unity.
Turaki Assumes Leadership
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was elected National Chairman with a majority of the valid votes cast.
In his acceptance speech, he promised to rebuild the party, restore accountability, and return the PDP to the people.
He also called for reconciliation and urged displaced or aggrieved members to return and support the rebuilding process.
More Legal Battles Ahead
Allies of Wike, Fayose, and Anyanwu have indicated that they will challenge their expulsion in court.
They also plan to argue that the convention itself should be nullified because it was held under conflicting judicial decisions.