The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Monday as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), formally issued certificates of expulsion to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and 10 other senior party members.
According to the PDP leadership, the certificates give official effect to the expulsions earlier approved at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, and serve as documentary proof that the affected individuals are no longer members of the party.
Turaki said the decision was taken to remove any ambiguity regarding the status of the expelled members, particularly in view of Nigeria’s electoral laws, which prohibit dual party membership. He explained that the certificates would also enable the affected individuals to pursue political affiliations elsewhere without legal complications.
Those issued expulsion certificates include former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose; former PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; former National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature; former National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Abdurahman Muhammad; Mao Ohuabunwa; Austin Nwachukwu; Abraham Amah Nnanna; George Turna; and Chief Dan Orbih.
The party accused the expelled officials of engaging in anti-party activities, including actions that allegedly undermined PDP’s unity, sponsored parallel party structures, and worked against the collective interests of the party during and after the 2023 general elections. The expulsions were ratified at the Ibadan convention through a voice vote by delegates.
However, the development has further exposed deep divisions within the opposition party. Loyalists of Wike and others affected have rejected the expulsions, insisting that the Ibadan convention was illegal and held in defiance of existing court orders. Some PDP governors and party stakeholders have also distanced themselves from the decision, describing it as unilateral and capable of worsening the party’s internal crisis.
Political analysts note that the formal issuance of expulsion certificates marks a decisive step by the Turaki-led NWC to assert control and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Nevertheless, ongoing legal challenges and factional disputes continue to threaten the party’s stability and cohesion.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Wike nor other expelled members had formally responded to the latest action, though indications suggest further legal and political battles may follow.