Wike-backed PDP faction reaffirms expulsion of 18 members

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the expulsion of 18 senior party members, issuing a formal disclaimer to warn against “impostors” claiming to represent the party.

The statement, released Wednesday by the faction’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, stressed that the expulsions were enacted by the National Executive Committee on November 18 due to alleged anti-party conduct and gross misconduct, in line with the amended 2017 PDP Constitution.

High-profile figures on the expulsion list include Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. Also expelled are former Akwa Ibom State Governor Emmanuel Udom, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and former Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja.

Other names affected include former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, former Presidential Adviser Ben Obi, former Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Bode George, and former Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum. The list also features Okechukwu Obiechina, Emmanuel Ogidi, Emmanuel Ebien, Suleiman Kadade Mohammed, Sunmaila Adamu Bunza, Koshoedo Setonji, Daniel Woyengikuro, and Umar Sani.

The faction expressed dismay over what it called the “embarrassing misrepresentation” by the expelled members, who continue to act and speak as though they retain authority within the PDP. Anyanwu urged party supporters and the public to disregard any statements or actions by the expelled individuals.

The disclaimer also dismissed a recent meeting in Ibadan involving some of the expelled members, describing it as “a charade” rather than a legitimate national convention of the party. “Anybody parading himself as a newly elected national officer of the party is an impostor and a meddlesome interloper,” the statement warned.

The Wike-aligned faction affirmed that the PDP remains united under its constitutionally recognised leadership and called on members to continue supporting legitimate party structures.

This development comes a day after a faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki issued a counter-statement claiming that Wike, Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and others had been expelled from the PDP. The ongoing exchanges of expulsions highlight the deepening internal crisis within the opposition party, as rival factions disown and expel each other over alleged anti-party activities.