The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday carried out one of its most far-reaching disciplinary actions in recent years, expelling several high-profile members — including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) — for alleged anti-party activities.
The National Executive Committee (NEC), meeting for its 103rd session at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, also dissolved the party’s executive structures in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States.
Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the disciplinary memo, accused the affected leaders of defying subsisting court orders and participating in an “unauthorized convention,” which he said had plunged the party into deeper crisis and fueled defections nationwide.
NEC’s communiqué, read by National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, emphasized the party’s commitment to restoring order and protecting its constitutional integrity.
According to the communiqué, NEC expressed grave concern over the conduct of members who allegedly violated Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution through anti-party activities, disobedience to judicial directives, and actions that brought the party “into disrepute.”
The committee approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against prominent figures including Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chief Olabode George, Senator Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Governors Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, and several others.
In another major decision, NEC ordered Chief Ali Odefa to refund all remunerations received after his earlier expulsion in December 2024. It also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East), while directing the constitution of caretaker committees in all dissolved state chapters and the conduct of fresh congresses.
The Edo State Executive Committee led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor was affirmed, while Bayelsa’s Exco was dissolved and replaced with a caretaker team chaired by George Turnah.
NEC further instructed deputies of expelled National Working Committee (NWC) members to immediately take over in acting capacities. Abdulrahman’s appointment as Acting National Chairman also received formal ratification.
In a significant legal move, the meeting directed the party’s legal team to initiate processes for reclaiming the seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, citing constitutional provisions under Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g).
The party announced plans for nationwide reconciliation, a membership audit, and revalidation exercise as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. NEC assured party faithful that the measures, though tough, were necessary to restore discipline and rebuild the PDP’s credibility.
“The era of impunity is over,” the communiqué declared. “With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and regain the trust of Nigerians ahead of the next electoral cycle.”
Earlier in their opening remarks, BoT Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Acting Chairman Abdulrahman urged members to remain steadfast, expressing optimism that the party will overcome its current challenges.