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The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Tuesday as the National Executive Committee (NEC), aligned with the Wike-backed faction of the party, ratified the expulsion of three serving governors, which included Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, along with several top-ranking party leaders accused of anti-party activities.
Those expelled also include former Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; and PDP elder statesman, Chief Bode George.
Former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and other notable figures were also shown the exit.
The sweeping sanctions were announced after the party’s 103rd NEC meeting held at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, marking one of the most dramatic internal purges in the party’s recent history.
Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo recommending the expulsions, said the listed individuals repeatedly violated court orders, undermined the party’s unity, and engaged in actions that brought the PDP into disrepute.
“These members openly disregarded valid court judgments and participated in illegal activities that destabilised the party,” Abdulrahman declared.
He added that the PDP would no longer tolerate indiscipline.
In another major decision, the NEC dissolved the PDP State Executive Councils in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States. Caretaker committees are to be constituted immediately to conduct fresh congresses.
The National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, read the NEC communiqué, which strongly condemned the organisation and attendance of what it described as an “unauthorised and illegal convention” that fuelled confusion, factionalisation, and defections across the country.
“NEC reaffirms that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its constitution and not from impunity or personal ambition,” the communiqué stated.
The list of those to face disciplinary action includes: Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.
NEC also ordered Chief Ali Odefa to refund all salaries and allowances allegedly received after his earlier expulsion on December 12, 2024.
The committee approved Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South-East) and directed deputies of vacant NWC positions to assume acting roles.
It also formally ratified Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman’s appointment as Acting National Chairman.
In a decisive legal move, the NEC directed the party’s legal team to immediately begin processes to reclaim the seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
The committee also approved a comprehensive reconciliation initiative and a nationwide membership revalidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite the tension within the party, NEC assured members that the decisions were necessary to stabilise the PDP and restore public confidence.
Earlier in their remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman, urged members to remain committed, expressing optimism that the party would overcome its challenges.
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