The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plunged deeper into crisis this week as the faction of the party aligned with former Rivers governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced the expulsion of several high-profile members; including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, elder statesman Chief Bode George, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, and former Senate President Adolphus Wabara. The move, which came after a heated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, marks one of the most dramatic internal purges in the party’s recent history.
A Sweep That Reshapes the Party’s Power Map
The NEC meeting convened by the Wike-aligned faction issued an extensive communique, declaring the expulsion of the affected members for what it described as “anti-party activities,” disregard for standing court orders, and actions allegedly capable of bringing the party into disrepute. The faction accused the expelled leaders of participating in or endorsing an “unauthorized convention,” a gathering the Wike bloc insists had no constitutional backing within the party.
In addition to the expulsions, the faction dissolved several state executive committees across Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Lagos, Yobe, and Ekiti States. These structures were immediately replaced with caretaker committees, a move the faction says is necessary to restore order and position the party for what it terms a “revalidation and rebuilding effort” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Accusations of Parallel Leadership
The crisis within the PDP is not new, but the latest actions have amplified the question of legitimacy: who truly controls the party? For months, the PDP has operated with parallel factions; one aligned with Wike, the other with long-standing party stalwarts such as Bode George and governors Makinde and Bala Mohammed.
The expelled members, however, have dismissed the NEC meeting as illegitimate, insisting that the group taking the action lacks the authority to summon or implement disciplinary measures. According to them, the “unauthorized convention” cited by the Wike faction is, in fact, the authentic gathering of the party’s leadership and members. This back-and-forth has created a stalemate where each side claims constitutional legitimacy, leaving many party faithful and observers uncertain about the true centre of authority.
Bode George Fires Back
Responding to the expulsion, Chief Bode George criticized the Wike faction, asserting that disciplinary measures against Wike himself could take up to four years to reverse; unless the genuine NEC pardons him. George and his allies maintain that Wike’s actions over recent years, including open collaboration with rival political interests, place him at odds with the ethos of the PDP.
His comments highlight the deep-rooted mistrust that has grown between both camps, exacerbated by the 2023 presidential election fallout and subsequent internal realignments.
Implications for the 2027 Elections
Political analysts say the purge could have far-reaching implications for the PDP as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 polls. Expelling three sitting governors, several senior party officials, and influential elders may weaken the PDP’s national spread; especially in the Southwest, Northeast, and Northwest where the expelled leaders hold significant sway.
The internal schism may also embolden rival parties to absorb disaffected PDP members or exploit the cracks, particularly in states where the PDP is in fierce competition with the APC and emerging third-force platforms.
The Courts May Decide
With both factions claiming legitimacy, legal battles appear inevitable. The question of which NEC is legally recognized, and whether the expulsions are binding, may ultimately be settled in court. Until then, analysts expect instability to persist, with state-level party structures in affected states likely to experience further reorganization.
What Comes Next?
The Wike faction has announced plans for a nationwide membership revalidation exercise and internal restructuring, signalling its intention to consolidate control. Meanwhile, the expelled members and their supporters are expected to hold separate meetings to coordinate their response and reinforce their parallel leadership.
For the PDP, a party that once prided itself on national cohesion and internal discipline, this latest fracture represents a defining moment. Whether it results in reconciliation, further fragmentation, or a full-blown realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape remains to be seen.
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