IBADAN, Nigeria — Lere Olayinka, media aide to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory, has mocked the ongoing national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, describing it as little more than a “social party” following the expulsion of his principal and 10 other members.
The PDP, currently holding its national convention in Ibadan, announced on Saturday, November 15, 2025, the expulsion of several high-profile figures, including Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s suspended national secretary, and Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti.
The decision follows months of deepening internal divisions and legal battles within the opposition party.
Hours after the announcement, Olayinka issued a sharp response, dismissing both the event and its decisions as inconsequential.
In his statement, he said those at the convention “decided to start dirty December in November,” adding that their actions should not be taken seriously.
“They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November,” the statement reads.
“When people decided to start their own dirty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths. They are free to say anything.”
Olayinka argued that the resolutions taken at the convention carried no weight, insisting that the gathering had veered away from meaningful political engagement.
“One can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths,” he said, adding that the participants were “free to say anything.”
The comments highlight the continuing tensions between the PDP leadership and the Wike-led faction, which has repeatedly attempted to stop the convention through the courts.
Although the faction sought injunctions to halt the event, the party secured a high court judgment in Oyo permitting the convention to proceed.
