The internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party reached a breaking point on Saturday as the party’s national convention in Ibadan sanctioned the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, along with 10 other senior figures accused of anti-party activities.
The decision was taken during the PDP’s 20th National Convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium, marking one of the most consequential disciplinary actions in the party’s recent history.
Among those removed from the party were former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose; National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade; and Austin Nwachukwu. Others shown the exit door included factional chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih.
The motion was initiated by former National Vice Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George, and seconded by Bauchi PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, before delegates overwhelmingly endorsed it.
In a separate resolution, delegates also confirmed Umaru Damagum as the PDP’s substantive National Chairman, formalising the position he had held in acting capacity.
However, the decision triggered fresh cracks within the party’s leadership. Two governors seen as Damagum loyalists—Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri, who chaired the convention’s organising committee, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang—publicly distanced themselves from the expulsion of Wike.
