The crisis tearing through the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated dramatically on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, ratified the expulsion of several high-profile party leaders.
Those expelled include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, former Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, former National Vice Chairman Bode George, and the recently elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
The latest move comes just days after last Saturday’s controversial PDP national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Wike and his loyalists were expelled from the party. That decision set the stage for Tuesday’s showdown at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, where rival factions gathered for parallel NEC and Board of Trustees meetings amid heavy security and heightened tension.
At its own NEC meeting held at the national secretariat, the Wike-aligned faction also announced the dissolution of state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti, ordering the immediate setting up of caretaker committees and the conduct of fresh congresses.
Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu said the NEC had received a report from Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, outlining alleged breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP constitution. The accusations include anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct deemed to have brought the party into disrepute.
“NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following: 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,” the communiqué stated.