The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and the party’s troubled National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu.
This decision was made on Saturday during the party’s elective national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, following the approval of a motion regarding alleged anti-party activities.
Under the leadership of its National Chairman, Umar Damagun, the party also dismissed Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional chairman associated with Mr. Wike’s group.
Additionally, three of Mr. Wike’s associates who contested the legality of the convention in court, claiming that state congresses were not conducted in accordance with the PDP Constitution, were expelled as well. These individuals include Imo PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Nnanna, and PDP South-south Zonal Secretary Turnah George.
Others who faced expulsion include National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mao Ohuabunwa, the factional BoT chairman, and Dan Orbih from Edo State.
The notice of expulsion was shared on the party’s official X handle shortly after the convention commenced.
Reports indicate that the motion for expulsion was proposed by Bode George, a former National Vice Chairman of the PDP (South), and was seconded by the party’s chairman in Bauchi State, Samaila Buga.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, conducted a voice vote on the motion.
With this expulsion, the ongoing crisis within the opposition party seems to be evolving into a new phase.
Although there have been longstanding calls for the removal of certain officials, particularly Mr. Wike, the timing and context of this expulsion bring forth new political ramifications.
Previously, the minister was a significant influence within the PDP, despite his role in an APC-led administration.
Since the general elections of 2023, the PDP has found itself embroiled in a series of internal conflicts. In particular, the party has divided into two factions due to disagreements regarding the preparations for the national convention, where new leaders were anticipated to be elected to succeed the current National Working Committee (NWC), headed by Mr. Damagum.
Supporters of Mr. Wike contend that the party has breached its constitution by failing to conduct legitimate congresses. Conversely, Mr. Damagum has maintained that the convention will proceed as planned.
This discord has resulted in conflicting court rulings. Presently, there are three existing judgments concerning the two-day convention.
On 31 October, James Omotosho, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, issued a ruling to suspend the convention, citing the lack of valid congresses.
He instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to oversee or supervise the event. This ruling followed a few weeks after he denied an interim injunction requested by Messrs Nwachukwu, Nnanna, and George.
However, on 4 November, A. L. Akintola, a judge of the Oyo State High Court, directed the PDP to continue with the convention and mandated INEC to supervise it.
Nevertheless, just a week after the latest ruling, Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on 11 November, issued a judgment in a case brought by former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido, once again halting the convention and instructing INEC not to acknowledge it.
On Friday, 14 November, mere hours before the convention was set to take place, Mr. Lifu delivered a final order to suspend the event until Mr. Lamido’s concerns were addressed.
In spite of the conflicting court rulings, the faction led by Mr. Damagum has asserted its intention to proceed with the convention.
In the notice of expulsion, it was indicated that the decision was made in accordance with the PDP Constitution, which bestows supreme authority upon the National Convention in all matters concerning the party, including disciplinary actions.
“WHEREAS by Articles 33(2) (1), (2) (j) (n) & (r) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution 2017 (as amended), the National Convention of the Party shall possess supremacy in all matters related to the Party and all officers and organs of the Party, including the discipline of officers and members;
“WHEREAS it is crucial to emphasize the fundamental principles that a political party is a voluntary organization, and members are anticipated to join it of their own free will, as permitted by Section 40 of the Constitution of the FRN 1999 (as amended), and are expected to adhere to its fundamental principles and aspirations as articulated in its Constitution;
“WHEREAS the individuals mentioned above have engaged in various violations of the Party’s Constitution, including endorsing and campaigning for opposition,” the notice states.
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