NIGERIA: Fintiri Distances Self From PDP Leaders’ Expulsion, Says Move Threatens Party Stability

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has publicly distanced himself from the decision to expel Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other prominent chieftains from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the move does not serve the party’s interest.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the governor said he would not be part of any action capable of deepening the internal crisis within the opposition party.

Fintiri said: “I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, @GovWike, from @OfficialPDPNig (PDP). I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.”

He further noted: “As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion.”

Fintiri’s statement comes a day after the PDP, during its national convention in Ibadan, announced the expulsion of Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, suspended National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and several other high-profile members.

The expulsion, adopted via a voice vote after a motion by former National Vice Chairman (South), Olabode George, also removed Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen, Mao Ohabunwa, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Austin Nwachukwu and Abraham Amah.

The development has deepened tensions between the mainstream PDP and the faction aligned with Wike, which had earlier rejected the validity of the Ibadan convention.