The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally issued expulsion certificates to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and several other members previously expelled at the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The certificates were presented during a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday in Abuja, where Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum formally handed over national leadership to Senator Kabiru Turaki. The move follows Wike’s and others’ expulsion at the November 16 convention over alleged anti-party activities.
Speaking to journalists after the NWC meeting, Turaki explained that the certificates serve as official proof that the expelled members are no longer part of the PDP. “Now that they are no longer members of our party…we have decided to issue them certificates of expulsion so that, when they register with other political parties, there is no claim of dual membership,” he said.
The certificates have been dispatched by courier to Wike, Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna, and Chief Dan Orbih. Turaki noted that the move also informs Nigerian institutions, including INEC and security agencies, of the affected members’ status.
Turaki further warned that anyone engaging with the expelled individuals does so “at his or her own risk,” describing the action as part of the party’s efforts to rid itself of members creating internal friction. He stated that the PDP is now focused on rebuilding and preparing to offer Nigerians credible leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
The expulsions have been controversial, defying court orders that prohibited the Ibadan convention due to ongoing legal disputes over state congresses. The Wike-loyal faction rejected the Ibadan convention as illegitimate, holding a parallel National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on November 18, where they retaliated by expelling several opponents, including Governors Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, former Board of Trustees Chair Adolphus Wabara, and Turaki himself.
The factional dispute underscores continuing internal power struggles within the PDP, highlighting tensions between rival groups as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections. Analysts suggest the conflict could have lasting implications for party cohesion and Nigeria’s broader political landscape.
