The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just executed a major house cleaning. Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, Ayodele Fayose, ex-Ekiti Governor, and Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary, are out. This isn’t just a tidying up; it’s a potential power shift.

This action, triggered at the party’s national convention in Ibadan, follows a motion citing alleged anti-party activities. The PDP, under National Chairman Umar Damagun, didn’t stop there. Mohammed Abdulrahman, heading a Wike-aligned faction, got the boot too. Three Wike loyalists who challenged the convention’s legality share the same fate. Plenty more figures connected, like Umaru Bature and Kamaldeen Ajibade, also face expulsion. The party announced it via X.

The proposal for expulsion reportedly came from Bode George, a former PDP National Vice Chairman, and secured support from Samaila Buga, Bauchi State’s party chairman. Bala Mohammed, the PDP Governors Forum Chairman, conducted a voice vote on the motion.
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This looks like the PDP’s internal feuding is reaching a boiling point. Wike, despite serving in an APC government, remained a force within the PDP. Now, his accusation that the Damagun-led NWC violated party principles adds another layer to the drama. Wike sees this as a fight for control leading up to 2027. It’s worth noting his support for President Tinubu’s second term.

Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been plagued by infighting. Disagreements surrounding preparations for the national convention deepened the divide. Wike’s supporters claim the party sidestepped protocol, while Damagun maintains the convention’s legitimacy. Court orders flew from both sides, muddying the waters even further.

The party points to its constitution. Citing the supreme authority of the National Convention, specifically articles related to discipline, as justification. The PDP argues that these individuals breached party rules, explicitly “supporting and canvassing votes for opposition.”
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The expulsion of key figures like Wike and Fayose undeniably reshapes the PDP. This is not just about internal discipline. It has implications for the 2027 elections. Whether this strengthens or weakens the party is something to watch. Having observed similar political purges, the long-term effects often depend on how the remaining factions regroup.

Keywords: PDP crisis, Wike expulsion, Fayose expulsion, PDP infighting, 2027 elections, Nigerian politics, Umar Damagun, Anti-party activities