NIGERIA: Wike-Backed PDP Faction Endorses Expulsion of Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Others

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister Nyesom Wike has approved the expulsion of three serving governors and several senior party figures over alleged anti-party activities.

The decision was reached on Tuesday at the 103rd meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) held at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.

The communiqué issued after the meeting stated: “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party.”

Acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman said the expulsions followed repeated violations of court orders, which, according to him, “undermined the party”.

The statement further reads: “NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention.”

The faction endorsed the removal of Oyo governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara governor Dauda Lawal, former BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara, former minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, deputy national chairman (south) Taofeek Arapaja, and other members.

The communiqué added that the conduct of those affected triggered “confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide”.

It stated: “NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.”

The NEC also ratified the dissolution of party executives in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, while approving the existing structure in Edo. It directed caretaker committees to be constituted immediately.

“NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following; Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.”

The NEC further insisted that expelled members who held party offices must relinquish all financial benefits.

He said: “Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024.”

The meeting also approved Abdulrahman as acting national chairman and resolved that deputies in all vacant NWC positions should take over in acting capacities.

NEC instructed the party’s legal team to begin constitutional action to recover seats of elected officials who defected from the party.

The party also approved a membership audit ahead of the 2027 elections and announced a reconciliation process aimed at restoring unity without compromising discipline.

Mao Ohuabunwa, chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), and Abdulrahman urged members to remain committed, expressing confidence that the party would overcome the ongoing crisis.

The PDP crisis escalated after parallel activities and conflicting court rulings deepened internal divisions. Over the weekend, one faction held a convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his allies were expelled. The Wike-aligned bloc dismissed the exercise as illegitimate.

Tension continued on Tuesday at the national secretariat in Abuja, where police fired teargas to separate supporters of both factions who clashed during simultaneous scheduled meetings.