The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Tuesday as the Kabiru Turaki-led faction, supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, formally expelled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, and nine others previously ousted by the PDP national convention in Ibadan.
Speaking at a briefing at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Turaki said the expulsion certificates were issued to enforce the convention’s decisions and prevent violations of Nigerian laws on dual party membership. He confirmed that all 11 certificates had been dispatched via courier and urged INEC and security agencies to recognise the affected individuals as no longer members of the PDP.
Osun Governorship Primary
Governor Ademola Adeleke and other party leaders were absent at the PDP governorship primary in Osogbo, where Adedamola Adebayo emerged as the party’s candidate for the 2026 election, securing 919 votes out of 957 accredited delegates. Adeleke, who had resigned earlier that day, remained on the ballot, though any votes for him were to be voided.
The primary was marked by tension, including an incident in which NURTW members from Oyo State were assaulted during a confrontation with party officials. Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, accused Governor Makinde of interfering in Osun PDP affairs.
Criticism of Federal Government
Turaki also criticised the Tinubu-led federal administration over rising insecurity, saying Nigerians are “not safe in their homes, workplaces, markets, or streets.” He called for a review of the country’s security structure and argued that state governors should have operational control over security personnel in their states.
Party Affairs and Litigation
The PDP NWC is reviewing handover notes from the previous leadership and preparing to address ongoing litigations, including cases over the closure of party offices. Turaki added that former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, recently nominated as ambassadorial candidates, have not formally notified the party of their appointments.
With INEC’s December 15 deadline for submitting governorship candidates approaching, the factional disputes within the PDP continue to complicate the party’s preparations ahead of the 2026 elections.
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