The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday expelled the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; and former National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, during its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The motion for their expulsion was moved by Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman (South), and seconded by Hon. Samaila Burga, Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State.
The decision comes after a faction loyal to Wike sought a court order to stop the convention.
The party, however, secured a judgement from an Oyo State High Court allowing the exercise to proceed.
In the buildup to the event, Mao Ohuabunwa, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Wike-led faction, mocked the Ibadan gathering, insisting it had no legal backing.
“Anyone going to Ibadan for the purpose of convention is only going there to relax,” Ohuabunwa said earlier, describing the event as a “jamboree.”
He argued that his faction had already postponed the convention, citing a circular allegedly issued by Anyanwu.
“Ibadan is a public place; people can go for anything but not for convention,” he said. “We won’t tolerate flagrant abuse of the constitution.”
The faction’s acting national chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammad, also urged delegates nationwide to boycott the event.
“All delegates across the country should stay away from the Ibadan convention,” he said, adding that his group would continue mobilising members “for a strong and united PDP.”
Wike had earlier commended his supporters for standing firm amid the crisis, saying his group would continue to uphold party rules.
“I won’t betray those who believe in the constitution of the party,” Wike said, insisting that his camp would not succumb to intimidation.
The PDP leadership is yet to announce the next steps following the expulsions.
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