ABUJA, Nigeria — The Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued formal expulsion certificates to 11 senior party figures, including Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), escalating the internal conflict that has split the opposition party into rival factions.
The affected members—who were expelled during the party’s elective convention on 15 November in Ibadan—include Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Oyo; Samuel Anyanwu, former national secretary; Umar Bature, former national organising secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, former national legal adviser; and Mao Ohuabunwa, former senator.
Others removed from the party are Austine Nwachukwu, former Imo PDP chairman; Amah Nnanna Abraham, former Abia PDP chairman; Dan Orbih, former national vice-chairman (South-South); and Turnah George.
The certificates were issued on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Abuja after Umar Damagum, the outgoing acting national chairman, formally handed over to Turaki, who emerged as the party’s new leader following the contentious convention.
None of the expelled members were present to receive their certificates.
Addressing the ceremony, Turaki said the expulsions were part of a broader effort to restore discipline and reunify the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
“These actions were necessary to cleanse our ranks of elements who have consistently worked against the PDP’s interests, including holding parallel congresses, sponsoring litigations, and canvassing votes for opposing parties,” he said.
“With these certificates, the affected individuals are free to continue to align with any political platform of their choice, but they can no longer claim membership in the PDP.”
Turaki insisted the opposition party would survive the turmoil. “The PDP will never die. This party is bigger than any individual or group. Those who have chosen to dine with our opponents while still wearing our colours have been shown the way out. This is the beginning of a disciplined, united, and purposeful opposition that will rescue Nigeria in 2027.”
The expulsion of Wike—one of the party’s most influential figures and a sitting minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet—has elicited sharp reactions from PDP leaders.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri openly opposed the move, warning it could further fracture the already divided party.
The crisis took a dramatic turn last week when the suspended members formed a parallel NWC and Board of Trustees (BoT), setting up a rival structure and leaving the party with two competing leaderships.
The deepening schism threatens the PDP’s ability to function as a cohesive opposition force ahead of key off-cycle elections and the 2027 general election.
Analysts warn that without reconciliation or a decisive legal resolution, the party risks further defections and loss of political influence.
Both factions are expected to intensify their battle for legitimacy in the coming weeks, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yet to recognise either leadership as the authentic custodian of the PDP.
