The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reached a new peak after reports emerged from the Ibadan convention suggesting that former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose, had been expelled from the party.
But in a swift and dramatic pushback, Wike’s camp backed by influential PDP governors has publicly rejected the expulsion, dismissing the entire convention episode as unserious and procedurally flawed.
Wike’s allies wasted no time tearing into the Ibadan gathering.
A senior aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, slammed the organizers, describing the so-called convention as nothing short of a “Detty December in November.”
According to him, the event lacked the seriousness, structure, and legitimacy required to make major decisions such as expelling founding members of the party. He insisted that:
“Whatever announcements came out of that event should be viewed in the context of an intoxicated social party.”
This statement set the tone for Wike’s camp: a complete rejection of the expulsion and a strong argument that the event itself cannot be recognized as a lawful PDP convention.
Interestingly, the pushback didn’t come from Wike’s team alone. Top PDP governors have openly rejected the decision, exposing deeper cracks within the party.
1. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa State)
Governor Fintiri declared via his verified X account that he was not involved in the decision to expel Wike.
He cautioned that tampering with the membership of senior party figures at such a sensitive moment would only worsen internal crises. He emphasized the need for stability, dialogue, and unity, not rash expulsions.
2. Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State)
Governor Mutfwang also issued a statement disowning the move entirely.
He explained that the matter of expulsion was never discussed at:
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The PDP Governors’ Forum, nor
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The National Executive Committee (NEC)
before being announced in Ibadan.
Mutfwang warned that such a unilateral move could fracture the party even more:
“Expelling key leaders at this delicate moment is counterproductive and harmful to party cohesion.”
He called for reconciliation, strategic engagement, and respect for proper party processes.
The controversy around Wike’s supposed expulsion highlights the complicated and fragile nature of the PDP’s internal politics.
Three major issues stand out:
1. Legitimacy of the Convention
Wike’s camp argues the Ibadan event lacked the procedural legitimacy required to make weighty decisions.
2. Governors vs. Convention Organizers
The fact that multiple governors key power brokers are distancing themselves signals a deep division between PDP leadership blocs.
3. Fear of Party Implosion
The calls for unity suggest a growing fear that the PDP is heading toward another major internal meltdown ahead of crucial elections.
What This Means Going Forward
Wike remains one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, and any attempt to expel him without full consensus is bound to trigger immediate resistance.
The rejection from major governors shows that many in the PDP prefer negotiations and reconciliation over drastic punitive actions.
It’s clear that:
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The “expulsion” is far from settled.
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Power blocs within the PDP are realigning.
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The party’s leadership crisis is far from over.