FCT, Abuja – The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new dimension on Tuesday, November 18, as the acting national chairman, Muhammed Abdulrahman-led faction of the national working committee (NEC) sacked several perceived opponents over alleged anti-party activities and disobedience to court orders.
Abdulrahman is an ally of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and works with the former Rivers state governor’s caucus.
Nyesom Wike and PDP leaders adamant amid reports that FCT minister-led faction has sacked Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and other party members.
Nyesom Wike-led PDP faction sacks Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, sparking a fresh crisis in the opposition party.
PDP: Wike moves against Makinde, others
As reported by The Punch, the decision was taken at a meeting reportedly held at the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city.
TVC News also noted the development.
A communiqué from the Wike camp’s meeting partly reads:
“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.”
Unending PDP crisis
Reports that since 2022, the PDP has been engulfed in a series of internal disputes, with the party now split into two major factions, in which one is loyal to Wike, and the other to factional National Chairman Umar Damagun.
The Wike faction appointed Abdulrahman as its factional acting chairman after announcing the suspension of Damagun and his team.
Wike, though a member of the PDP, serves as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The emergence of the factional leadership originated from disagreements over the PDP’s forthcoming national convention, which was held on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16. The convention produced new national leaders and potentially set the tone for the selection of the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.
Governors battle Nyesom Wike as PDP factions jostle for control of party ahead of the 2027 election.
Some PDP governors clash with Nyesom Wike as PDP factions jostle for control ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Wike-led faction opposed the convention, arguing that the PDP failed to conduct valid state congresses, a requirement under the party’s constitution before convening a national convention.
Tuesday’s decision by Wike and his allies to expel Mohammed, Makinde, and others comes 72 hours after the party announced the FCT minister’s expulsion. Former Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, as well as ex-Imo state house of assembly member, Samuel Anyanwu, were also sanctioned.
Read more on the PDP crisis:
Saraki explains why PDP’s national convention should be suspended, proposes solution
‘He is Wike’s man’: Ex-aide to PDP national chair slams Saraki over call to suspend convention
Wike blocks Govs Bala, Makinde at party’s secretariat as tension deepens
Taraba PDP chairman resigns
Earlier, reported that the chairman of the PDP in Taraba state, Abubakar Bawa, resigned from his position and withdrew his membership from the party.
Bawa announced his resignation in a brief statement, thanking stakeholders for the opportunity to serve and wishing the party success in its future endeavours.
Although he did not provide reasons for his decision, party insiders say his exit may be linked to the rumoured defection of Governor Agbu Kefas to the APC.
