The leadership tussle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Wednesday as the rival factions led by Kabiru Turaki and Nyesom Wike issued separate disclaimer notices—each declaring the other side expelled from the party.
The Turaki-led national working committee (NWC) released a notice listing 11 politicians it said were expelled during the party’s elective convention in Ibadan on November 15–16. The notice, signed by Turaki, included photos 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.
Turaki warned that the expelled individuals no longer represent the PDP, stressing that “any interactions or representations made by these expelled members are not authorised by our great party”. He added that those who continue to work with them “do so at their own peril”.
The announcement followed the issuance of expulsion certificates in Abuja after the handover from Umar Damagum to Turaki. Turaki said the action was necessary to “cleanse the party of elements who have continually undermined the PDP through parallel congresses, persistent litigations and open support for rival parties”.
He maintained that the PDP would rebuild ahead of the next general election, adding, “The PDP will never die. This party is bigger than any individual or group.”
But the Wike-aligned faction swiftly countered with its own disclaimer, naming 18 individuals it claimed were expelled by the national executive committee (NEC) on November 18 for offences including anti-party activities and gross misconduct.
Signed by Samuel Anyanwu, the notice listed Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Seyi Makinde, Emmanuel Udom, Adolphus Wabara, Taofeek Arapaja, Kabiru 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 accused the individuals of “falsely parading themselves as members or officers of the PDP”, urging the public to disregard their claims. It also dismissed the Ibadan convention that produced Turaki’s NWC as “a charade and a mere social gathering” not recognised by the party’s constitution.
The competing disclaimers underscore the deepening rift within the party as both factions continue to assert themselves as the legitimate PDP leadership.