The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; and eight others.

Their removal was announced during the PDP’s national convention held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to party leaders, the affected members were expelled for engaging in actions they described as “anti-party activities,” including court cases and behaviour said to cause division within the party.

Delegates from 17 states attended the convention. A PDP chieftain, Bode George, moved the motion for the expulsion of the 11 members, which was immediately supported by the Bauchi State PDP chairman. Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, then put the motion to a vote, and it was unanimously approved.

Prominent party figures at the event included Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), as well as PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum. Also in attendance were Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Osun governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Gombe governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, and the PDP Board of Trustees chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Background: Wike’s Clash With the Party

Calls for Wike’s punishment had grown since he openly opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. Despite this, Wike consistently defended his actions.

In an interview on Channels Television in October 2024, he said he had “no apologies” for not supporting the PDP presidential candidate, insisting his decisions were based on “equity, fairness, and justice.”

Wike argued that he supported the PDP in other elections where the party won governorship and National Assembly seats, and denied ever working against the party.

Wike currently serves as the FCT Minister under President Bola Tinubu of the APC — a major point of controversy among PDP members.

Wike Says PDP Leaders Also Broke Party Rules

Wike has also accused some PDP leaders of violating the party’s constitution. As far back as January 2023, he warned that he would “hit back” at those he claimed were the real offenders.

At a campaign rally in Rivers State, he said party leaders in Abuja were guilty of the same “anti-party activities” they accused him of.