PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike’s Faction Expels Three Governors and Top Party Leaders
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, approved the expulsion of three sitting governors—Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
The Bureau News gathered that the faction also expelled former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Bode George; and the newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
Nigeria News Today: Tension After Ibadan Convention
The latest wave of expulsions comes just days after the controversial PDP national convention held in Ibadan, where Wike and his supporters were themselves expelled. The escalating confrontation has increased political uncertainty across Abuja and other states.
On Tuesday, both factions stormed the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, attempting to hold parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings. Security presence heightened as party loyalists clashed verbally over control of the structure—an episode that analysts say signals a deeper fracture in the opposition party.
For context, internal divisions within Nigeria’s major parties have historically reshaped political alignments, a pattern also highlighted in reports by global observers such as Reuters and BBC Africa.
Factional NEC Dissolves Six State Excos
During its session at the secretariat, the factional NEC dissolved the PDP executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. It directed that caretaker committees be immediately constituted while preparations begin for fresh congresses.
The Bureau News understands that this decision could deepen the internal struggle for power within the party, especially in states where the dissolved structures are aligned with the governors now expelled.
Communiqué Citing Anti-Party Activities
National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu read the meeting’s communiqué, stating that NEC reviewed allegations of breaches involving Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution. These include alleged anti-party activities, disregard for court orders, and conduct said to have brought the party into disrepute.
“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 communiqué stated.
The Bureau News will continue monitoring the unfolding political realignment within the PDP, as the crisis poses significant implications for Nigeria News Today and the 2027 election landscape.