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PDP faction meeting” decoding=”async” fetchpriority=”high”>Wike-Aligned PDP Group Removes Key Governors and Leaders
In a significant political shakeup, the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially expelled several prominent figures, including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, among others.
Background: Rising Tensions Within PDP
This decisive action follows escalating tensions between competing PDP factions, culminating in a confrontation at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The discord reflects deepening divisions within the party’s leadership structure.
Additional Expulsions and Leadership Changes
Beyond the governors, the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) also announced the expulsion of influential party stalwarts such as former Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, ex-National Vice Chairman Bode George, and the newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN. These moves underscore the faction’s intent to consolidate control.
Context: Fallout from the Controversial Ibadan Convention
This purge closely follows the contentious PDP national convention held last Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Wike and his supporters were themselves expelled from the party. The convention’s aftermath has intensified factional rivalries, leading to parallel meetings and competing claims to legitimacy.
Clash at the National Secretariat
On Tuesday, the discord escalated into a heated standoff at the PDP national secretariat located in Wadata Plaza, Abuja. Both factions convened simultaneous NEC and Board of Trustees meetings, each asserting authority over the party’s direction.
Structural Overhaul: Dissolution of State Executives
During its session, the factional NEC resolved to dissolve the executive councils of several states, including Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti. It mandated the establishment of caretaker committees and the organization of fresh congresses to reconstitute these bodies, signaling a comprehensive restructuring effort.
Official Statement and Disciplinary Actions
A communiqué delivered by National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu detailed the NEC’s findings and decisions. The report from Acting National Chairman Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed highlighted violations of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the party’s constitution, citing anti-party conduct, defiance of court rulings, and actions detrimental to the party’s reputation.
“The NEC has authorized the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the following individuals: 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.”
Implications for PDP’s Future
This latest development marks a critical juncture for the PDP as internal fractures threaten to undermine the party’s cohesion ahead of upcoming elections. Political analysts suggest that unless reconciliation efforts succeed, the party risks further fragmentation, which could impact its electoral prospects nationwide.
Recent polls indicate that the PDP remains a major contender in Nigeria’s political landscape, but sustained infighting may erode public confidence. Observers are closely monitoring how these expulsions and leadership disputes will shape the party’s trajectory in the coming months.
