Tension Rocks PDP Convention in Ibadan as Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George Lead Expulsion of Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu and Allies

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was thrown into turmoil on Saturday as the faction loyal to Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum announced the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and several other influential members.

The dramatic announcement was one of the key moments during the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The motion for their expulsion was moved by PDP founding father Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, receiving unanimous backing from members present.

Also expelled were the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Umar Bature, AbdulRahman Mohammed, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah, and Dan Orbih.

However, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang immediately distanced themselves from the decision while still present at the venue.

Delegates Tear Down Posters

Tensions escalated as angry delegates expressed their displeasure by tearing down the posters of governors who were absent from the convention. Notably absent were Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

Despite two court orders halting the exercise, the Damagum-led faction proceeded with the convention, relying on an Oyo State High Court ruling. Present at the event were Governors Ahmadu Fintiri, Caleb Muftwang, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, and host Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside party elders such as former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and ex-Governors Udom Emmanuel, Babangida Aliyu, and Ibrahim Shekarau.

“Detty December in November” — Wike’s Aide Mocks Expulsion

Reacting to the development, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, dismissed the expulsion as a product of frivolity rather than legitimate party procedure.

He described the gathering as a social jamboree, saying:
“They went to Ibadan to start their own Detty December in November. When people decide to start their Detty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths.”

Olayinka alleged that those behind the move were merely enjoying themselves and “intoxicated,” insisting their declaration had “no legitimacy within the PDP.”

Party Leaders Receive Flags

Earlier in the day, top PDP leaders participated in the ceremonial flag presentation. Acting National Chairman Amb. Ilya Damagum received the PDP flag, Convention Chairman Ahmadu Fintiri received the National Convention Flag, PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed received the Nigerian Flag, and Governor Makinde received the Oyo State Flag.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro and Hon. Fred Agbedi also received the Senate and House of Representatives flags respectively. The convention opened with accreditation of about 3,000 delegates from all 36 states and the FCT.

“Illegal Convention Cannot Expel Me” — Imo PDP Chairman

Imo State PDP Chairman Hon. Austin Nwachukwu rejected his reported expulsion, saying the convention itself was invalid, citing two Federal High Court judgments that halted any national convention pending unresolved state congresses.

“I will be stupid to start telling you I will go and challenge them in court when I know that the two Federal High Court judgements say don’t do convention,” he said.

He insisted a state high court order could not override federal high court judgments:
“A State High Court does not have power to query a Federal High Court. It’s only the Court of Appeal that can do that.”

Governors Fintiri, Muftwang Reject Expulsion Move

Governor Fintiri publicly dissociated himself from Wike’s expulsion via a statement on X, saying:
“I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike, from PDP. I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party.”

He called for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation to avoid deepening the PDP’s crisis.

Similarly, Plateau governor Caleb Muftwang rejected the expulsion motion, stating through his spokesperson Gyang Bere that it did not reflect his position nor that of the PDP Governors’ Forum or NEC. He described the move as “ill-timed” and warned it could worsen internal divisions at a critical moment for the party.

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