PDP Confirms Expulsion of Wike, Fayose, Others

From Dike Duruegbuso

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally issued expulsion certificates to 11 high-profile members, including former governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, cementing their removal from the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made after a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, where the party’s leadership reviewed internal affairs, ongoing primaries, and transition notes from the previous executive.

“They Remain Expelled” — Turaki

National Chairman of the PDP, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, told reporters that the expulsion process had been concluded and officially documented. According to him, certificates were dispatched via courier to the affected individuals, and relevant institutions — including INEC, the police, DSS and NSCDC — have been notified.

“They have been expelled and they remain expelled. We have certified their expulsion, and the certificates have been sent,” Turaki said.

He added that public disclaimers would soon follow, warning that anyone transacting party business with the expelled politicians does so at their own risk.

Those affected include Wike, Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Dan Orbih, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna and George Turna.

Osun Primaries Unaffected — Adeleke Still in the Race

Turaki confirmed that the Osun governorship primary is proceeding as scheduled. Despite a resignation letter circulating online, he said the NWC has received no official notice from Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“As of this moment, the primary is ongoing, and Governor Adeleke is one of the aspirants,” he reiterated.

He emphasized that the party’s strength lies not in individual political figures but in its grassroots membership.

Ikpeazu, Ugwuanyi Yet to Notify PDP of Ambassadorial Nominations

Responding to reports that former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi have been nominated for ambassadorial roles, Turaki said the party has not been formally informed.

“If they choose to communicate with us, we will consider it on merit. For now, we have received nothing,” he stated.

PDP Faults Tinubu on Democratic Standards

In a separate statement, the PDP criticized President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a double standard in defending democracy abroad while allegedly enabling anti-democratic practices at home.

The party was reacting to Nigeria’s decision to grant asylum to Fernando Da Costa, the opposition candidate in Guinea-Bissau’s recent presidential election.

While acknowledging the intervention as a commendable step for regional stability, the PDP insisted that the President must exhibit the same democratic commitment within Nigeria.

The party accused elements within the ruling party of sponsoring crises in opposition ranks and coercing elected officials into defections.

“The President cannot champion democracy in West Africa while overlooking anti-democratic activities within his own political machinery,” the statement read.

The PDP warned that Nigeria risks drifting toward a one-party state if such practices continue unchecked, urging the President to act decisively to protect the country’s democratic space.