By Peter Omopo
The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Saturday as two sitting governors distanced themselves from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and ten other party leaders.
The PDP had earlier announced the expulsion of Mr Wike and other members during its ongoing national convention in Ibadan, citing alleged anti-party activities. However, Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State have openly faulted the decision, warning that it could worsen existing divisions within the party.
Fintiri: “I dissociate myself from the expulsion”
In a statement posted on X, Governor Fintiri—who chairs the 2025 PDP elective national convention—said he would not associate himself with the move to expel Mr Wike, stressing that the action was not in the best interest of the party.
“I wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from PDP,” Fintiri said. “This decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.”
He emphasised that unity and reconciliation remain the only viable path to resolving the PDP’s long-standing internal conflicts.
Aside from Mr Wike, the PDP also expelled former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and eight others. Governor Fintiri did not comment on the expulsion of the other members, but reiterated his commitment to supporting peace efforts within the party.
Mutfwang: “The expulsion was not discussed with governors”
In another statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also distanced himself from the expulsion, saying the decision did not pass through the PDP Governors’ Forum or the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“Governor Mutfwang clarified that this subject was neither discussed by the Governors’ Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented. He emphasised that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter,” the statement said.
Mutfwang noted that removing top party figures—especially at a time when the PDP is struggling with internal cohesion—was not a strategic move and could harm ongoing efforts at rebuilding the party.
Who was expelled?
Those expelled include:
- Nyesom Wike
- Ayodele Fayose
- Samuel Anyanwu
- Umaru Bature
- Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN)
- Austine Nwachukwu
- Amah Nnanna
- Turnah George
- Mao Ohuabunwa
- Dan Orbih
- Mohammed Abdulrahman
Many of the expelled members are known allies of Mr Wike, and several had challenged the ongoing convention in court.
Convention Held Despite Court Orders
The Ibadan convention proceeded despite two separate Federal High Court orders directing that the exercise be suspended pending the determination of cases regarding the legality of PDP congresses.
The expulsions are expected to be challenged in court alongside other decisions reached at the convention.
Background to the Tensions
Mr Wike, a former two-term governor of Rivers State and long-time PDP power broker, fell out with the party leadership after losing the 2023 presidential ticket to Atiku Abubakar. He has since collaborated closely with the ruling APC and now serves in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
PDP Controls Eight States
The PDP currently governs eight states: Oyo, Osun, Rivers, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, and Zamfara.
With key governors publicly disagreeing with the party’s latest disciplinary actions, analysts warn that the PDP may face an even steeper battle in its effort to reposition itself ahead of future elections.
