Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expelled Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose and ex-party secretary Samuel Anyanwu on Saturday, ratifying the purge during a fractious national convention in Ibadan that deepened rifts within the once-dominant outfit.
The expulsions, targeting the Wike-led faction accused of anti-party activities, were approved by voice vote after a motion from PDP Board of Trustees member Chief Olabode George, seconded by Bauchi State chairman Hon Samaila Burga, amid cheers from loyalists packed into the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The gathering, delayed by hours due to accreditation snarls, unfolded under heavy security after a Wike-aligned group failed to halt proceedings via court injunction, securing a favourable ruling from an Oyo State High Court that cleared the way for the elective congress.
BREAKING NEWS: PDP National Convention Takes Decisive Action – Expels Nyesom #Wike, Samuel #Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Ayo #Fayose, Austin Nwachuk#wu, and Others for Anti-Party Activities. pic.twitter.com/6e5ftY8ztl
— Angel Network News (@angelnetnews) November 15, 2025
Wike’s camp, boycotting the event, branded it a “jamboree” and urged delegates to shun it, with factional Board of Trustees chairman Mao Ohabunwa declaring: “We have met as the national working committee of PDP, and reviewed our activities. We have agreed to obey all the court decisions on the Ibadan convention. So, we are not part of the exercise. Ibadan is a public place, people can go for anything but not for convention, anyone going there in the name of convention should consider it a jamboree. We won’t tolerate flagrant abuse of the constitution by some individuals in the name of a convention.”
Ohabunwa doubled down, warning: “Anyone going to Ibadan for the purpose of convention would just going there to relax because the exercise would not be recognized by law,” and advising: “Those interested in going to Ibadan should relax and have fun, describing the exercise as a ‘jamboree’.”
Factional acting national chairman Abdulrahman Muhammad echoed the boycott call, stating: “We are concerned with moving PDP forward, therefore, all delegates across the country should stay away from the Ibadan convention.”
In a show of defiance, Wike addressed supporters virtually, vowing loyalty: “I am happy with your concern about the party in your respective areas, I will continue to support you people, I won’t betray you people.” He insisted: “He insisted that his camp would always uphold the rule of law and would not succumb to intimidation. Wike pledged not to betray those that believe in the constitution of the party.”
The schism, simmering since Wike’s fallout with PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, threatens to splinter the party ahead of 2027 polls, with the expulsions likely to trigger legal battles and further defections in Africa’s most populous democracy. PDP national chair Umar Damagum hailed the convention as a “reset,” but analysts warn it risks alienating moderates in a bid to consolidate power.
