Wike, Turaki PDP factions issue counter disclaimers after tit-for-tat expulsion of members

The factions led by Kabiru Turaki and Nyesom Wike in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have released separate disclaimer notices, each insisting that their opponents are no longer members of the party.

The Turaki-led national working committee (NWC) displayed a notice listing 11 politicians it said had been expelled at the party’s elective convention held in Ibadan from November 15 to 16.

The notice carried photographs and names of Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, Ayodele Fayose, Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turnah, Dan Orbih, Austine Nwachukwu, Mon’d Abdulrahman and Abraham Amah.

The document, signed by Turaki, national chairman, warned that “any interactions or representations made by these expelled members are not authorised by our great party”.

The disclaimer added that anyone engaging with the affected politicians “does so at their own peril”.

The notice followed the issuance of expulsion certificates to the 11 politicians in Abuja after Umar Damagum handed over to Turaki.

Turaki said the action was driven by the need to restore discipline to the PDP.

“These actions were necessary to cleanse our ranks of elements who have consistently worked against the PDP’s interests, including holding parallel congresses, sponsoring litigations and canvassing votes for opposing parties,” he said.

“With these certificates, the affected individuals are free to continue to align with any political platform of their choice, but they can no longer claim membership of the PDP.”

He added that the opposition party must now rebuild ahead of the next general election.

“The PDP will never die,” he said.

“This party is bigger than any individual or group, and those who have chosen to dine with our opponents while still wearing our colours have been shown the way out.”

The Wike-aligned faction responded with a counter-disclaimer naming 18 politicians it said had been expelled by the national executive committee (NEC) on November 18 for offences ranging from “anti-party activities” to “gross misconduct”.

The notice, signed by Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary, listed Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Seyi Makinde, Emmanuel Udom, Adolphus Wabara, Taofeek Arapaja, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Ben Obi, Bode George, Okechukwu Obiechina, Emmanuel Ogidi, Emmanuel Eledan, Suleiman Kadade Mohammed, Sumaila Adamu Bunza, Kosheodo Sotonji, Daniel Woyengikuro, Umar Sani and Umar Bargo.

The faction said the individuals were “falsely parading themselves as members or officers of the Peoples Democratic Party”.

It asked the public to disregard any claims made by persons on the list.

“Anybody parading himself as a newly elected national officer of the party is an impostor and a meddlesome interloper,” the disclaimer reads.

The group also said the Ibadan convention that produced Turaki’s NWC “was a charade and a mere social gathering” not recognised by the constitution of the party.

The duelling disclaimers are the latest indications of the festering crisis within the PDP following the emergence of two rival leadership structures.