The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party intensified on Sunday as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, rejected the expulsion of key leaders announced at the party’s convention in Ibadan.
The Ibadan convention, held despite two subsisting Federal High Court orders stopping it, has triggered what insiders describe as one of the biggest internal revolts in the party’s recent history. Four state chapters: Rivers, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, and the FCT have openly rejected the outcome, accusing Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of attempting to seize control of the party through an “illegal gathering.”
Conflicting Court Orders Split PDP
On Friday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, halted the convention after ruling that former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido was unlawfully denied access to nomination forms to contest for the position of National Chairman.
This came after an earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho on October 31, also stopping the convention and restraining INEC from participating. However, a conflicting order from the Oyo State High Court allowed the convention to proceed, leading to parallel legal directives and a divided party. Despite the Abuja court’s ruling, over 3,000 delegates gathered in Ibadan on Saturday to elect new national leaders.
Expulsion Rejected: “No Convention Held” – Wike Camp
During the convention, the party, acting on a motion by Chief Bode George announced the expulsion of key figures including Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, ex–South-South Chairman Dan Orbih, and others. But the Wike faction insists the exercise is null and void. Acting National Chairman of the Wike bloc, Abdulrahman Mohammed, dismissed the convention as “a sham.” “There was no convention in Ibadan. The gathering violated a valid court order. They lack the power to expel us,” Mohammed said
Similarly, former National Organising Secretary Umar Bature said all decisions taken at the Ibadan gathering were “illegal.” Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor accused Makinde and a handful of governors of staging an “entertainment event,” claiming only 17 states had accredited delegates.
Southwest PDP Backs Makinde
In contrast, PDP leaders in the Southwest hailed the convention as a success. Zonal Publicity Secretary Sanya Atofarati praised Makinde for “rescuing the party from aggressors” and commended PDP governors for standing firm. The convention produced former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, as the new National Chairman. Bode George dismissed claims that only 17 states participated.
“Every state, plus the FCT, elected the new leaders,” he said, urging Wike to “take advantage of his expulsion and join the APC.” On the APC, front, iNaijanow shared a story of President Tinubu congratulating Governor Soludo on his electoral victory.
INEC Boycotts Convention, More States Kick Back
The Independent National Electoral Commission stayed away from the Ibadan event, citing the Federal High Court order. INEC’s boycott decision was applauded by the Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Jigawa chapters.
Rivers PDP described the gathering as “a charade,” accusing organisers of disobeying two valid court judgments. Akwa Ibom PDP said the convention lacked legal basis and “ignored the rule of law.” Jigawa PDP Chairman Babandi Gumel warned against “impostors,” reaffirming loyalty to Sule Lamido and insisting the state did not send delegates.
PDP Elders Warn of Danger
PDP founding member Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim warned that the party risks self-destruction if the crisis persists, urging leaders to return to the founding principles of inclusion and consultation. “This is a time for reconciliation, not expulsion,” he said.
APC Mocks Implosion
The ruling APC mocked the PDP’s internal turmoil, with Deputy National Organizing Secretary Chidi Duru saying the opposition party “needs education on how to run a political organization.” He said this while dismissing speculation about receiving expelled PDP member.
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