November 16, 2025 – Clarion Newschannel – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plunged deeper into factional turmoil Saturday as its 2025 national convention in Ibadan expelled high-profile figures, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and eight others, over alleged anti-party activities.
The sweeping expulsions, announced amid the two-day gathering at Lekan Salami Stadium, were framed by party officials as a necessary purge to “restore unity, discipline, and focus” in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The full list of those ousted includes Umar Bature, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Dan Orbih.The decision, moved by Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman (South), underscored the party’s resolve to weed out internal saboteurs amid ongoing litigations and disputes.
Over 3,000 delegates from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory converged on the venue, representing a cross-section of the party’s base. The convention also ratified Debo Ogundoyin as acting National Chairman, with Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) emerging as the sole contender—and near-unanimous victor—for the substantive role following the withdrawal of rival Senator Yakubu Lado.Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja was elected National Secretary, capping a session that blended electoral triumphs with disciplinary thunderbolts.
Yet the moves have sparked immediate backlash, exposing raw fissures within PDP ranks. Governors from key strongholds swiftly distanced themselves, amplifying fears of a deepening crisis. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri rejected the expulsions outright, declaring, “I’m not part of it,” and emphasizing that the issue was never tabled before the Governors’ Forum or National Executive Committee (NEC). Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang echoed the sentiment, stating the decision “was never discussed by the Governors’ Forum or NEC” and warning it could fracture the party further, while calling for urgent reconciliation.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, hosting the event in his home state, hailed the convention as a “turning point” for PDP renewal, though his remarks sidestepped the expulsions directly.Tensions peaked in Rivers State, where PDP officials outright rejected the proceedings, alleging deliberate exclusion of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—whose absence, alongside others, underscored the boycott by dissenting factions. The convention further dissolved party structures in states including Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers, moves decried as overreach by critics.
On X, formerly Twitter, reactions erupted in a polarized frenzy, mirroring the party’s divide. Supporters lauded the “big stick” approach against “saboteurs,” with one user posting, “PDP has announced the expulsion of FCT Minister Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, and Others… landmark move to restore unity.” Detractors branded it a “witch-hunt,” tying the purge to Wike’s escalating feud with the military over land disputes in Abuja, where his administration’s revocations have drawn sharp rebukes from security chiefs. Posts from accounts like @SaharaReporters amplified governors’ rejections, with Mutfwang’s disavowal garnering thousands of views and replies decrying the “anti-party” label as selective vengeance.a
As PDP navigates this self-inflicted storm, the expulsions—intended to consolidate power—risk alienating allies and emboldening rivals ahead of 2027. With court challenges looming and governors urging dialogue, the party’s path to opposition resurgence hangs in precarious balance.
Clarion Newschannel will continue monitoring developments from Ibadan and beyond.
PDP Expulsions Ignite Internal Firestorm at Ibadan Convention, Threatening Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls
Ibadan, Oyo State.
