The Wike-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday unleashed sweeping disciplinary sanctions, expelling several high-profile members, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and party chieftains Chief Bode George and Senator Adolphus Wabara, for alleged anti-party activities.
In a dramatic shake-up, the NEC also dissolved the State Executive Committees of Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti, directing that caretaker committees be immediately constituted to supervise fresh congresses.
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The factional Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo recommending the expulsions, said the affected members “blatantly disregarded court orders” and “brought the party into disrepute,” acts he described as grave violations of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution.
Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the party had to act decisively to restore discipline and protect its constitutional integrity.
According to the communiqué: “NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention, triggering factionalisation and mass defections.”
It further noted that the PDP “draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution,” warning that the era of indiscipline is over.
NEC also approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against several other prominent members, including Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Oluseyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Udom Emmanuel, Emmanuel Ogidi, Setonji Koshoedo, and others.
The committee additionally directed Chief Ali Odefa to refund all salaries and allowances received after his earlier expulsion in December 2024.
The NEC ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East) and directed all deputies in vacant National Working Committee (NWC) positions to assume acting roles pending further decisions.
It also formally endorsed Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
The communiqué disclosed that the party’s legal team would immediately begin constitutional steps to recover the seats of elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
NEC further approved a nationwide reconciliation initiative, a membership revalidation exercise, and structural reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and the Acting National Chairman urged members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP would emerge stronger after the purge.
NEC assured party faithful that the sweeping measures were undertaken to “stabilise, strengthen, and rebuild” the party.
“With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle,” the communiqué stated.