The internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), escalated dramatically on Tuesday as the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the expulsion of several high-profile members, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and veteran politician Chief Bode George.
The decision was ratified during a parallel National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held by the Wike-backed group at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja — the same day rival factions attempted to hold competing NEC and Board of Trustees sessions, resulting in heightened tension and heavy security presence.
According to a communiqué issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, the expelled members were found guilty of various offenses, including anti-party activities, gross disobedience to court orders, and conduct capable of bringing the party into disrepute, in violation of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP constitution.
Other prominent figures expelled include:
– Former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara
– Newly elected National Chairman (from the Ibadan convention), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN
– Former National Deputy Chairman, Chief Olabode George
– Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofiq Arapaja
– Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel
In addition, the Wike-led NEC dissolved the entire state executive committees of Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States, directing immediate constitution of caretaker committees and fresh congresses in the affected states.
The expulsions are a direct retaliation to last Saturday’s controversial national convention in Ibadan, organized by the Makinde and Bala Mohammed camp, where Nyesom Wike and his allies were themselves expelled from the party.
Political observers describe Tuesday’s developments as the most serious threat yet to the PDP’s survival as a unified opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As at the time of filing this report, neither Governor Seyi Makinde nor Chief Bode George had issued official responses to their expulsion, but sources close to the affected members described the Wike faction’s actions as “illegal, null, and void.”
The PDP crisis, which has simmered since the fallout from the 2023 presidential primary, now risks splitting Nigeria’s largest opposition party into two irreconcilable camps.
