The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, over allegations of anti-party activities and actions said to have undermined party unity.
The decision was reached on Saturday during the party’s national convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, where delegates from 17 states convened amid tight security and heightened political tension.
Also expelled were the PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and eight other top members fingered in multiple litigations and actions considered hostile to the party’s interest.
The motion for their expulsion was moved by PDP chieftain, Chief Bode George, who accused the affected members of “activities inconsistent with the party’s collective interest.”
The Bauchi State PDP chairman immediately seconded the motion, after which Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi put the matter to vote. Delegates unanimously adopted the expulsion.
Prominent party figures at the convention included Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. Also present were Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, and BoT Chairman Adolphus Wabara.
Why Wike and Others Were Removed
Pressure for punitive action has mounted since the 2023 general elections, with many within the PDP accusing Wike and his allies of openly undermining the party’s presidential candidate.
Wike, however, has repeatedly insisted he did nothing wrong.
In October 2024, he stated publicly that he did not regret working against the PDP during the presidential election, arguing that his actions were in defence of “equity, fairness, and justice.”
“For the presidential election, I said I would support equity, fairness, and justice… For the presidential, I have no apologies because I don’t believe in injustice,” he said on Channels Television.
He dismissed claims of disloyalty, insisting, “I did not do anti-party.”
His appointment as FCT Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, candidate of the APC in the 2023 polls, rekindled internal anger within the PDP.
Wike had previously accused PDP leaders of hypocrisy, saying in January 2023:
“Those of them in Abuja talking about anti-party, we have caught them now. Anti-party begets anti-party.”
What You Should Know
The PDP’s decision to expel Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Samuel Anyanwu and eight others marks the party’s most decisive disciplinary action since its post-2023 crisis began.
The move stems from long-running allegations that Wike and his allies undermined the PDP’s presidential campaign and fostered internal division. Although Wike denies wrongdoing, insisting he acted on principle, delegates at the Ibadan convention voted unanimously to remove him and others for “anti-party activities.”
The expulsions signal a major shift in the PDP’s power dynamics as the party attempts to rebuild amid factional battles and ongoing legal disputes.
