PDP expulsion triggers major controversy as the party removes Wike, Fayose and Anyanwu during its Ibadan convention amid deepening internal crisis

PDP expulsion dominated conversations on Saturday as the Peoples Democratic Party moved dramatically to expel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

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The powerful decision was adopted at the party’s convention in Ibadan after former Deputy National Chairman (South) Olabode George moved the motion that triggered what insiders described as a bold but contentious step. The development marks one of the most consequential disciplinary actions in the PDP’s recent history.

The PDP expulsion came against the backdrop of weeks of internal friction. The Wike-led faction had earlier attempted to stop the convention through the courts.

However, the party secured judgment from a high court in Ibadan, clearing the way for the exercise to proceed.

Tension escalated days before the convention when the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Wike faction, Senator Mao Ohabunwa, dismissed the gathering as an irrelevant outing.

He said those travelling to Ibadan should consider it a place to unwind because the event would not be recognised by law. He described the convention as a jamboree and insisted it violated the constitution of the party.

He stressed that Senator Anyanwu had already issued a circular announcing a postponement and maintained that the faction would obey court directives rather than participate in what he labelled a flawed process.

Ohabunwa argued that the party must resist what he called a dangerous disregard for its own rules.

In a similar tone, factional acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Muhammad urged delegates nationwide to stay away from Ibadan until what he described as the right time.

He maintained that the faction remained committed to building a strong and united PDP.

Despite the PDP expulsion, Wike praised loyal members of his bloc for defending the party’s values. He reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and promised never to betray those who stand by the PDP constitution.

He assured supporters of his continued backing, saying he would not abandon those who believe in the legitimacy of his camp’s position.

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Saturday’s events have now set the stage for a deeper power struggle within the PDP as both factions continue to assert authority. With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the party’s internal cohesion faces a critical test.