Wike-backed PDP faction expels Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed for ‘anti-party activities’

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has endorsed the expulsion of three governors over alleged anti-party activities. 

The faction ratified the removal of Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo; Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi; Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara; Adolphus Wabara, former chair of the board of trustees (BoT); Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, former minister; Taofeek Arapaja, deputy national chairman (south); and other key members.

The decision was taken on Tuesday at the 103rd meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) held at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.

Mohammed Abdulrahman, acting national chairman, said the expulsions followed repeated violations of subsisting court orders, which he argued had undermined the party.

The NEC also affirmed the dissolution of party executives in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, while approving the existing structure in Edo.

Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary, read the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.

“The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party,” the communiqué reads

“At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

“NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention.

“This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

“NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

“NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

“NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following; Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

“NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024.

“These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party. NEC also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

“NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti.

“The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately while the Edo State Exco led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

“NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

“NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

“NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline.

“A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

“NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

“The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

“With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

Mao Ohuabunwa, BoT chairman, and Abdulrahman urged members to remain committed, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its present challenges.

BACKGROUND

The PDP has been mired in crisis for the better part of two years.

On Saturday, a faction of the party held a convention in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, amid conflicting court rulings.

At the Ibadan convention, Wike and his allies were expelled from the party. However, Wike’s group dismissed the convention as a charade and the expulsion as a joke.

Earlier today there was chaos at the party’s headquarters in Abuja as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force deployed teargas to break up altercations involving supporters of both factions.

The Nyesom Wike-backed faction, and the new NWC of the party led by Turaki, had scheduled seperate meetings at the PDP headquarters in Wadata Plaza on the same day.

Anyanwu, national secretary of the Wike bloc, arrived at the Wadata Plaza with members of his faction ahead of their planned BoT and NEC meetings.

The police had a hard time keeping the peace, with operatives at one time ordering all party members out of the premises.

Teargas canisters were thereafter deployed to disperse politicians and journalists alike as supporters of both factions clashed.