A legal practitioner and political analyst, Dr. Tosin Ayo, has described the expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, and former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and 10 others as a move that could plunge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into an even deeper crisis.
Speaking on Inside Scoop, a current affairs programme on Adamimogo 105.1 FM Ibadan, Dr. Ayo said the party’s decision, taken at its recent national convention in Ibadan, could trigger a wave of litigation, parallel party structures, and further fragmentation within the opposition bloc.
According to him, whether loved or disliked, Wike remains “a strong pillar” of the PDP, and any attempt to expel him without airtight legal backing is bound to provoke a fierce response.
“Trust me, he’s going to court,” Dr. Ayo said. “And even if he doesn’t, he believes the party is already burying what remains of itself.”
The political analyst noted that the convention that produced the expulsion did not enjoy unanimous backing across the party’s power blocs. Several governors, he said, have already dissociated themselves from the move, raising questions about due process and internal conflict resolution.
He however warned that in the absence of a court order validating the convention’s decisions, the suspensions may be challenged and possibly nullified.
“Political parties will tell you: don’t allow yourself to be out-rigged,” he said. “If the convention was not properly constituted, the courts will be the ultimate referee.”
Dr. Ayo likened the PDP’s internal turmoil to “a vehicle with too many drivers,” arguing that the ambitions and rivalries of its top figures, including Wike and former vice president Atiku Abubakar, have pushed the party to the brink.
“What killed that party in the first place is disjointed ambitions,” he said. “Almost everyone who could rebuild the party has left.”
He urged the PDP to undergo “soul-searching and reawakening,” warning that its continued decline threatens Nigeria’s democratic balance.
“If a man wins an election with 33% of the vote, the only way the opposition can defeat him is to come together,” he added.
Dr. Tosin Ayo maintained that the expelled members have grounds to challenge the decision on claims of unfair hearing, improper disciplinary procedure, and breach of the party constitution, especially if no concrete evidence supports the allegations against them.
He also suggested that the convention itself may be viewed by some stakeholders as “a political manoeuvre” rather than a legitimate party-wide gathering.
On the role of PDP stalwart Chief Bode George, who moved the motion for the expulsion, Dr. Ayo said the development signals a shift in internal power dynamics.
“You cannot undermine Bode George,” he said. “He has always insisted that the party must not die in their hands.”
Asked whether Wike, Fayose and others could return to the party, Dr. Ayo said the unpredictability of Nigerian politics makes anything possible.
“Double-speak is the hallmark of our politics,” he quipped. “If a politician tells you good morning, check the time.”
He warned, however, that the expulsions could trigger additional defections and possibly birth a parallel PDP if the crisis is mishandled.
Quoting President Bola Tinubu’s earlier remarks on defections, Dr. Ayo added:
“If a ship is sinking and you see another ship that isn’t, is it not logical to jump?”
On whether the PDP can recover before the 2027 general election, Dr. Ayo gave a blunt assessment.
“How do you lead the nation when you cannot lead yourselves?” he asked.
“Unless a miracle happens, their chances are slim. The internal wrangling is choking the party like a sword of Damocles.”
He therefore urged PDP leaders to set aside personal ambitions and reconcile, warning that continued disunity will leave Nigerians with fewer credible political alternatives.
“Some people cannot build the house, but they can destroy it,” he said. “The party must come together now or risk complete collapse.” He said.
