The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further deepened following the reaffirmation of the expulsion of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and several other prominent party leaders by a faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Wike-backed faction, speaking through its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, insisted that the affected governors and party chieftains remain expelled from the party for alleged anti-party activities and actions deemed detrimental to the stability and image of the PDP. The faction stated that the decision was validly taken at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on November 18 and remains binding.
According to the group, those expelled were accused of violating party rules, disobeying subsisting court orders, and engaging in parallel party activities that undermined the authority of the recognised leadership. The faction cautioned the public to disregard any statements or meetings convened by the expelled members, describing them as illegitimate and misleading.
Beyond the expulsions, the faction also announced the dissolution of PDP State Executive Committees in several states, including Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos and Yobe. It directed that caretaker committees be constituted to oversee party affairs in those states pending the conduct of fresh congresses.
The reaffirmation has, however, been met with stiff resistance from the affected governors and their supporters, who have rejected the expulsions and questioned the legal and constitutional authority of the Wike-backed group to take such far-reaching decisions. Leaders in this camp argue that the faction lacks legitimacy and accuse it of acting outside the party’s constitution.
The crisis has now produced parallel claims to leadership within the PDP, with rival factions holding meetings, issuing statements and counter-directives. The situation has raised concerns among party faithful and political observers about the ability of the opposition party to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts warn that if the dispute is not urgently resolved through internal reconciliation or legal clarity, the PDP risks further fragmentation, possible defections, and a weakened opposition role in Nigeria’s political landscape. As the power struggle continues, the party’s future cohesion remains uncertain, with both camps showing no sign of backing down.