The Kabiru Turaki-led national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued expulsion certificates to 11 party chieftains, including Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The affected party members, including Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Oyo; Samuel Anyanwu, former national secretary; Umar Bature, former national organising secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, ex-national legal adviser; and Mao Ohuabunwa, former lawmaker, were expelled during the PDP November 15 elective convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Others are Austine Nwachukwu, former Imo state PDP chairman; Amah Nnanna Abraham, former Abia state PDP chairman; Dan Orbih, former national vice-chairman (south-south); and Turnah George.
The expulsion certificates were issued on Tuesday in Abuja after Umar Damagum, the outgoing PDP national chairman, formally handed over to Turaki, his successor.
However, none of the suspended party members were on hand to receive the certificates.
Turaki said the NWC is committed to discipline to revive the opposition party.
“These actions were necessary to cleanse our ranks of elements who have consistently worked against the PDP’s interests, including holding parallel congresses, sponsoring litigations, and canvassing votes for opposing parties,” Turaki said.
“With these certificates, the affected individuals are free to continue to align with any political platform of their choice, but they can no longer claim membership in the PDP.
“The PDP will never die. This party is bigger than any individual or group. Those who have chosen to dine with our opponents while still wearing our colours have been shown the way out.
“This is the beginning of a disciplined, united, and purposeful opposition that will rescue Nigeria in 2027.”
Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, and Ahmadu Fintiri, his Adamawa counterpart, had kicked against Wike’s expulsion from the party.
The suspended members have since formed a parallel NWC and board of trustees (BoT), polarising the party into two factions.
