The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected the expulsion of top party leaders announced during the party’s convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
At the same time, four state chapters of the party have rejected the convention’s outcome, viewed by observers as a pushback against Governor Seyi Makinde’s attempt to consolidate control over the PDP.
Over 3,000 delegates gathered in Ibadan to elect new national leaders for the opposition party, despite conflicting court orders. The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Friday directed the PDP to suspend its national convention and barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the event.
The order arose from a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido. Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Lamido had been unjustly denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest the position of PDP National Chairman, violating party regulations. The court directed that the convention be postponed to allow Lamido to participate, mobilize supporters, and campaign.
Despite this, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan allowed the PDP to proceed with the convention, creating conflicting orders that effectively split the party into two factions—one loyal to Wike and the other backed by PDP governors and other party organs.
During the convention, motions moved by former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Chief Bode George led to the expulsion of Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, former National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih, and others. Abdulrahman Mohammed, one of the expelled leaders and Acting National Chairman of the Wike-led faction, dismissed the action as illegal. He vowed to continue managing party affairs, emphasizing that the Ibadan gathering violated valid court orders.
Umar Bature, former National Organising Secretary, and Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader, also rejected the convention’s legitimacy, describing it as unlawful. Osadolor highlighted that only 17 state chapters plus the FCT had accredited delegates, which he argued was insufficient to conduct a valid PDP national convention.
Southwest PDP Supports Makinde
Meanwhile, PDP’s Southwest zone praised Governor Makinde for “rescuing the party from aggressors,” asserting that the convention restored confidence in the party’s leadership. Chief Sanya Atofarati, the zonal publicity secretary, commended PDP governors for reinforcing party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention elected Kabiru Turaki as PDP National Chairman alongside other national officers. Attending PDP governors included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau). The PDP National Executive Committee had earlier zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the national chairmanship to the North.
State Chapters Reject Ibadan Convention
The Rivers State chapter hailed INEC for boycotting the Ibadan convention and declared its outcomes null and void, citing violations of two standing Federal High Court judgments. The Akwa Ibom and Jigawa State PDP chapters also rejected the event, describing it as unlawful and affirming their commitment to lawful reconciliation processes.
Voices for Party Unity
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk if the PDP crisis remains unresolved. He stressed that the PDP’s founding principles were based on dialogue, inclusion, and national unity, urging leaders to focus on reconciliation rather than expulsion.
Chief Bode George countered the Wike faction’s claims, asserting that all 36 states plus the FCT participated in the convention. He encouraged Wike to join the APC, implying that his expulsion was an opportunity for him to leave the PDP.
APC Reaction
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) mocked the PDP’s turmoil, describing it as a reflection of leadership failures and internal confusion. APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru stated that while the APC would not intervene in the PDP’s affairs, it could provide guidance on party management if requested.
