ABUJA — The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially issued expulsion certificates to 11 high-profile members, including former governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, in what it described as a significant step toward restructuring the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made after a meeting of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja.
National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN, told journalists that the expulsions underscored the party’s determination to restore discipline and end long-standing internal sabotage.
Turaki explained that the decision followed a comprehensive review by the new NWC, which examined party operations, ongoing primary elections, internal disputes, and handover notes from previous executives.
He confirmed that expulsion certificates had been delivered via courier to all affected individuals, including Wike, Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna, and Dan Orbih.
“They are expelled, and they remain expelled. Their certificates have been dispatched to them,” he said.
He added that relevant institutions—including INEC, the police, DSS, NSCDC, and others—had been formally notified that the individuals were no longer PDP members.
He also warned the public: “Anyone who engages with them in the name of the PDP does so entirely at their own risk.”
Party Processes and Osun Developments
Turaki confirmed that the NWC had approved the congresses held in Osun State to elect ad hoc delegates.
He also disclosed that the Osun governorship primary was ongoing and that Governor Ademola Adeleke remained a valid member and aspirant.
He dismissed reports of Adeleke’s resignation from the PDP, noting that no official letter had reached the national secretariat.
Turaki stressed that the party’s real strength lies not in political officeholders but in its grassroots supporters.
“The PDP is the people’s party. Our power comes from the people, not from positions held by individuals,” he said.
Addressing former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi—both nominated for ambassadorial roles—Turaki said the PDP had not yet received formal notification from them.
Critique of National Security Under APC
Earlier in the briefing, Turaki delivered a strong critique of national security under the APC-led government, insisting that Nigeria’s security architecture needed complete reform.
“Nigerians are unsafe everywhere—on the streets, in offices, on farms, in markets, even in their homes. People live in constant fear. This must change,” he said.
He argued that governors could not truly function as chief security officers since they lacked authority over security agencies.
Turaki also said the NWC had reviewed ongoing legal battles involving the PDP, including cases concerning the closure of its offices at Legacy House and Wadata Plaza. He expressed confidence in the party’s legal standing.
He added that the NWC was thoroughly studying the handover documents from outgoing officials to prevent administrative gaps and ensure continuity as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.
“We are ready to take up our role as Nigeria’s leading opposition party,” he declared.
PDP to Tinubu: Apply Abroad’s Standards at Home
Separately, the PDP called on President Bola Tinubu to uphold the same democratic values in Nigeria that he champions internationally.
The statement followed reports that Tinubu granted asylum to Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa, the opposition candidate in Guinea-Bissau’s recent election.
According to the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the action was explained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a move to protect Da Costa from threats and support regional stability.
While commending the President’s intervention in Guinea-Bissau, the PDP insisted that he must also curb undemocratic conduct within Nigeria.
The party accused unnamed members of the ruling APC of coercing elected officials to defect and of fueling crises within opposition parties.
It warned that Nigeria risked drifting toward a one-party state if the President failed to rein in anti-democratic forces within his administration.
“The same principles guiding Nigeria’s intervention in Guinea-Bissau must guide the President’s actions at home to prevent democratic decline,” the party said.
PDP stressed that President Tinubu cannot present himself as a defender of democracy abroad while enabling practices that weaken democratic institutions domestically.
