The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party intensified on Saturday after Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and 10 other senior members were expelled at the party’s national convention in Ibadan. The delegates approved their removal over allegations of anti-party activities, a decision that also affected former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade, and several zonal and state officials. The convention additionally confirmed Umaru Damagum as the party’s substantive national chairman, further heightening internal tensions.

The move immediately sparked resistance. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who chaired the organising committee, publicly distanced himself from the expulsions, saying the absence of INEC officials and multiple court rulings made it improper to proceed. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also rejected the decision, noting that it was never discussed by the PDP Governors’ Forum or the National Executive Committee. Both governors warned that the action could worsen divisions within the opposition party.

The convention itself took place under conflicting court orders. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido had secured a Federal High Court ruling suspending the convention after he was blocked from obtaining the nomination form to contest for national chairman. Another Federal High Court ruling earlier in the month had given a similar directive. However, an Oyo State High Court ruling had permitted the event to go ahead, creating a legal standoff. The Damagum-led group insisted they were unaware of the latest order before the convention began.

Those expelled dismissed the meeting as unlawful. Abia PDP chairman Abraham Amah said the gathering disregarded subsisting court rulings and claimed that many delegates from affected states stayed away. South-South Zonal Secretary George Turner described the event as a “social gathering,” arguing that a legitimate PDP convention would require INEC oversight and full legal compliance.

The absence of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Taraba Governor Cephas Agbu added to the growing uncertainty. Party officials suggested the no-show could indicate plans to leave the PDP, with the APC already hinting that Agbu may defect in the coming days.

In a separate decision, the convention dissolved all PDP structures in Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, and Abia states. Governor Seyi Makinde, who moved the motion, said the review of congresses conducted between 2024 and 2025 necessitated a complete restructuring of leadership at ward, local government, and state levels.