The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Samuel Anyanwu, its suspended national secretary; and Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State.
The announcement was made on Saturday during the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Others expelled include Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen, Mao Ohabunwa, Uwachukuwu, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Austin Nwachukwu, and Abraham Amah.
Olabode George, former National Vice-Chairman (South), proposed the expulsion motion, while Samaila Buga, PDP chairman in Bauchi, seconded him.
Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, put the matter to a voice vote.
The Wike-led faction had attempted to stop the convention via court action, but the party obtained a favourable ruling from a high court in Oyo permitting the event to continue.
Ohuabunwa, chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Wike’s faction, claimed anyone attending the Ibadan convention was merely going there to relax, as the exercise would not be legally recognised.
He mocked the opposing faction, calling the event a “jamboree” and telling attendees to “have fun” in Ibadan.
He noted that Anyanwu had circulated a notice informing members about the postponement of the convention.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, acting national chairman of the faction, also called on delegates to boycott the convention and wait for the appropriate time.
“We are concerned with moving PDP forward; therefore, all delegates across the country should stay away from the Ibadan convention,” Abdulrahman said.
He added that he would continue mobilising members across the 36 states and the FCT to build a strong and united PDP.
Wike, meanwhile, lauded party members for protecting the PDP in their respective areas and pledged his continued support.
“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 said.
He insisted that his camp would always respect the rule of law and would not give in to intimidation.
