Cynthia Ezegwu
The leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ratified the expulsion of three sitting governors and several senior party figures.
Those expelled include Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State. Also removed were former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Bode George; and the recently elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The decision came barely days after the controversial national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, which resulted in the expulsion of Wike and his loyalists from the party. Tuesday’s meeting triggered a tense standoff between both factions at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings were scheduled.
During its session at the national secretariat, the Wike-backed NEC also dissolved the PDP executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. It directed the inauguration of caretaker committees and the conduct of fresh congresses in the affected states.
A communiqué issued after the meeting and read by factional National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, accused the expelled members of breaching Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the party’s constitution. The alleged offences include anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct considered injurious to the party’s image.
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The communiqué listed those facing fresh disciplinary procedures as Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Bala Mohammed, Seyi 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 development marks another major flashpoint in the deepening division that has split the PDP into rival power blocs, with both camps claiming legitimacy and control of the party’s national organs.
More details are expected as both factions continue to lay claim to the authentic leadership of the opposition party.