The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday expelled several high-profile members, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Imo PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu; and others over alleged anti-party activities.

The decision was taken during the party’s 2025 National Convention, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and was “promptly ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates,” according to an official statement posted across the party’s verified social media platforms.

In its announcement, the PDP described the expulsion as a “landmark move to restore unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections,” stressing that internal divisions and persistent anti-party conduct had undermined its cohesion and electoral prospects.

The motion for the expulsion was moved by former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, and seconded by Samaila Buga, Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, subsequently subjected the motion to a voice vote, which delegates overwhelmingly supported.

Wike’s Camp Reacts

As of Saturday night, none of the expelled members had issued formal reactions. However, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, took a swipe at the party in a late-night post on X.

Describing the Ibadan convention as “a social event,” Olayinka mocked the process, writing:
“They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November… They gathered in Ibadan to have a social party, enjoyed themselves, and got intoxicated. They are free to say anything.”

Plateau Governor Rejects Expulsion Process

The decision has, however, triggered division within the party’s leadership. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, distanced himself from the expulsions, insisting that the matter was never discussed by the PDP Governors’ Forum or the National Executive Committee (NEC) before being presented at the convention.

In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyangere, Mutfwang said the decision did not represent his position or that of the collective leadership.

“The Executive Governor of Plateau State… has formally distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and several other party leaders,” the statement read.
He emphasised that removing key stakeholders at such a critical moment was not a strategic solution to the PDP’s internal challenges.

Mutfwang called instead for unity, dialogue, and collective effort to rebuild and reposition the party ahead of future elections.

Growing Uncertainty in the PDP

The series of expulsions, the hurried ratification, and immediate disavowal by a sitting PDP governor underscore the deepening fractures within the party as it prepares for the 2027 election cycle.

While the national leadership insists the move is necessary to reassert discipline, critics within the party warn that sidelining influential stakeholders may worsen instability rather than foster cohesion.

The fallout from the Ibadan convention is expected to shape political alignments and internal power struggles in the coming months.