Delegates at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Ibadan have unanimously approved the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and eight others over allegations of anti-party activities.
The decision followed a motion by PDP chieftain Bode George, who accused the affected members of actions that undermined party unity, including persistent litigations against the party’s interests. The motion was seconded by the PDP chairman in Bauchi State before Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed put it to a vote. Delegates from 17 states adopted the expulsion without any objection.
The convention, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, was attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ibrahim Dankwambo, BOT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several party leaders.
Calls for disciplinary action heightened after the 2023 general elections, with many accusing Wike and others of working against the PDP’s presidential candidate. Wike has consistently denied the allegations. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today in October 2024, he defended his actions, saying he stood for “equity, fairness, and justice.”
“For the presidential election, I said I am going to support equity, fairness, and justice… For the presidential, I have no apologies because I don’t believe in injustice… I did not do anti-party,” he said.
Now serving as FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu of the APC, Wike had previously accused some PDP leaders of violating the party constitution. At a PDP campaign rally in Etche LGA in January 2023, he warned the party leadership, saying, “Those of them in Abuja that are talking about anti-party [activities]… They are the ones doing their anti-party.”
The expelled members are expected to issue formal responses in the coming days.
