IBADAN, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday, November 15, 2025, expelled Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory; Samuel Anyanwu, its suspended national secretary; and Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, in a sweeping move that underscored deepening divisions within the opposition party.
The expulsions were announced during the party’s national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Delegates also approved the removal of several other prominent members: Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen, Mao Ohabunwa, Uwachukuwu, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Austin Nwachukwu and Abraham Amah.
The motion for the expulsions was moved by Olabode George, a former national vice-chairman of the party (south), and seconded by Samaila Buga, chairman of the PDP in Bauchi.
Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, put the motion to a voice vote that was carried by the delegates.
The development came amid an internal power struggle, with the Wike-led faction having attempted to stop the convention through the courts.
The PDP, however, secured a high court judgment in Oyo that permitted the gathering to proceed.
Mao Ohabunwa, chairman of the board of trustees of the Wike faction, dismissed the convention as illegitimate, insisting it held no legal standing.
“Anyone going to Ibadan for the purpose of convention would just be going there to relax because the exercise would not be recognised by law,” he said.
He described the event as a “jamboree” and told attendees to “have fun” in Ibadan.
Ohabunwa added that Anyanwu had circulated a notification postponing the convention, citing decisions reached during a meeting of the faction’s national working committee.
“We have agreed to obey all the court decisions on the Ibadan convention. So, we are not part of the exercise,” he said.
“Ibadan is a public place; people can go for anything but not for convention. Anyone going there in the name of convention should consider it a jamboree.”
He warned against what he called “flagrant abuse of the constitution by some individuals in the name of a convention.”
Mohammed Abdulrahman, acting national chairman of the faction and also listed among those expelled, urged members nationwide to stay away from the gathering.
“We are concerned with moving PDP forward; therefore, all delegates across the country should stay away from the Ibadan convention,” he said, adding that he would continue mobilising members across the 36 states and the FCT to build a united party.
Wike, responding to the unfolding developments, commended his supporters for standing firm.
“I am happy with your concern about the party in your respective areas. I will continue to support you people; I won’t betray you people,” he said.
He maintained that his camp would uphold the rule of law and resist any form of intimidation.
