The internal crisis plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday degenerated into a full-blown war as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ratified the expulsion of three serving governors and several prominent party heavyweights.
At a heated meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, the factional National Executive Committee announced the expulsion of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal.
Also expelled were former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy National Chairman, Bode George; and the recently elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The decision, the Wike camp insisted, became necessary due to “serial breaches” and “persistent anti-party activities.”
Tuesday’s action came barely 72 hours after the controversial national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his allies were themselves suspended by the opposing camp.
The uncertainty sparked chaotic scenes in Abuja as both factions arrived simultaneously for parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings.
Sources at the secretariat told PLATFORM TIMES that security operatives struggled to prevent clashes as loyalists of both camps hurled accusations and attempted to take control of the building.
“It was a complete showdown. At a point, we feared the situation would turn violent,” a senior staff member at Wadata Plaza said.
Reading the communiqué, the factional National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, said the NEC considered the report of Acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, who accused the expelled members of violating Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution.
According to him, “NEC received the report detailing anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct that has continually brought the party into public disrepute.
The PDP cannot be a lawless organisation. Those who undermine the party must face consequences.”
The NEC also dissolved the state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, directing the immediate establishment of caretaker committees and the conduct of fresh congresses.
Responding Tuesday night, a senior aide to Governor Makinde dismissed the expulsions as “the laughable theatrics of a drowning faction.”
“This charade will not stand in any court of law or before any legitimate organ of our party.
Wike cannot wake up and expel governors elected by millions of Nigerians. This is nothing but desperation,” he said .
Aides to Governors Bala Mohammed and Dauda Lawal also described the action as “void and of no effect,” insisting that the Wike group lacked constitutional authority to convene a NEC meeting.
Political analysts warn that the escalating feud threatens the survival of the opposition party ahead of crucial off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general polls.
A political scientist at the University of Abuja, Dr. Yinka Olaiya, said, “The PDP is tearing itself apart at a time it should be consolidating. Expelling governors is extreme. What we are witnessing is a fight for total control, not ideology.”
PLATFORM TIMES observed that there is no indication that the crisis will abate soon. With dissolved state exco structures, expelled national officers, and parallel meetings, the PDP appears set for a prolonged legal and political battle.
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