A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the expulsion of 18 senior politicians, intensifying the opposition party’s internal crisis.
In a statement issued Wednesday, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu warned Nigerians to ignore “impostors” claiming PDP membership or authority. He said the affected individuals were expelled by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on November 18 over alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct, in accordance with the party’s 2017 amended constitution.
The expelled include Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo); former Akwa Ibom Governor Emmanuel Udom; former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy National Chairmen Taofeek Arapaja and Chief Bode George; former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; former Presidential Adviser Ben Obi; and former Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum, among others.
The Wike faction dismissed recent gatherings by the expelled members, including an Ibadan meeting, as mere social events and not official PDP conventions. “Anyone claiming to be a newly elected national officer is an impostor,” Anyanwu said.
The statement emphasised that the PDP remains united under its constitutionally recognised leadership and called on members to remain loyal to the legitimate structures.
This disclaimer comes a day after the Turaki-led faction issued a counter-statement asserting that Wike, Anyanwu, former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, and their supporters are no longer party members.
Political analysts say the ongoing exchange of expulsions highlights the deepening divisions within the PDP, as rival factions continue to assert authority and disown each other over alleged anti-party conduct.
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