The Peoples Democratic Party has taken a decisive step by expelling 11 prominent members, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during its national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
The expelled members include Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s embattled National Secretary; former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose; and several other party chieftains accused of engaging in activities contrary to the party’s interests.
Other members shown the exit door are Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Mao Ohuabunwa, Mohammed Abdulrahman, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Austin Nwachukwu, and Abraham Amah.
Chief Olabode George, a former National Vice Chairman of the party (South), moved the motion for expulsion, which was seconded by Samaila Buga, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, conducted the voice vote that ratified the decision.
The expulsion comes against the backdrop of prolonged internal friction within Nigeria’s main opposition party. The Wike-led faction had attempted to halt the convention through court action, but the party obtained a favorable ruling from an Oyo State High Court that allowed the event to proceed.
Days before the gathering, Mao Ohuabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Wike-aligned faction, dismissed the Ibadan exercise as illegitimate, stating that it would not be recognized by law. He described the convention as a “jamboree” and advised attendees to “have fun” in Ibadan.
Reacting to his expulsion late Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, downplayed the development. Writing on his official X account, he described the convention as a social gathering, stating: “They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November.”
The disciplinary action represents one of the most sweeping moves in the PDP’s recent history as the party attempts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections. Party leaders framed the expulsions as a necessary response to persistent anti-party activities and internal sabotage that have contributed to deepening divisions.
None of the expelled members have issued official statements regarding their removal from the party.