A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okechukwu Osohua, has dismissed the recent issuance of “certificates of expulsion” by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction to some party members as a political gimmick without any basis in law.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday, December 9, Osohua described the expulsion certificates recently issued by a faction of the party as alien to PDP’s constitution and Nigeria’s political processes.
“A certificate of expulsion is unknown to me, because that’s the first time I’m hearing it,” he said.
“Those who are comfortable saying that they issued a certificate of expulsion, where did they derive it from? In which law because before you take any action, there must be a status or law that is guarding and providing for it,” he added.
The PDP faction behind the document, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, had held a convention in Ibadan between November 15 and 16, where it announced the expulsion of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, and former PDP National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, over alleged anti-party activities.
Osohua mocked the convention, describing it as more of a social event than an official party gathering.
“As far as I’m concerned, it was just a gathering of friends, and I can even call it a Christmas Carol because it was not known to law; there was no convention,” he said.
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The PDP chieftain further argued that the faction lacked the legitimacy or authority to expel members or issue certificates.
“When somebody was entering this political party, did you issue him a certificate of entrance that would now warrant such [expulsion certificate]? I have not heard it,” Osohua said.
He emphasised that the entire exercise was politically motivated and driven by personal interests rather than the party’s constitutional framework.
First Daily reports that faction led by Kabiru Turaki, on Tuesday, December 2, confirmed that it has formally issued certificates of expulsion to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, and several other party members earlier expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
He said the certificates had already been dispatched to the affected members through courier services.
The expulsion according to him, was necessary to protect PDP values and restore discipline within the party’s ranks.