The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was instantly plunged into a deeper institutional crisis yesterday as the Ambassador Umar Damagum-led faction made good on its threat, holding a controversial National Convention in Ibadan that culminated in a mass expulsion of key opponents.
The faction wielded the big stick, announcing the expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), among others. The move was justified by Elder Statesman Chief Olabode George, who accused the expelled members of sponsoring litigations and anti-party activities that had “brought ridicule” to the PDP.
Crucially, the attempt to purge dissent was instantly and publicly challenged by within the party’s top ranks. Two serving PDP governors swiftly dissociated themselves from the Ibadan resolution, warning the action would only cause greater harm.
Governor Adamu Fintiri (Adamawa) stated emphatically on his verified X account that he would not support anything that could “further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.” He urged stakeholders to prioritize peace and reconciliation. Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) distanced himself from the decision, insisting the matter was “neither discussed by Governors Forum nor at NEC” and that expelling leaders was not a strategic step toward resolving the party’s internal challenges.
The defiance of the governors who were both present at the convention highlighted the highly contentious nature of the proceedings, which Wike’s loyalists quickly dismissed as an “illegal,” intoxicated “early Christmas show.”
Despite the turbulence, the convention proceeded to elect a new National Chairman. Former Special Duties Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was elected unopposed, replacing Damagum, whose tenure was confirmed and dissolved to facilitate the election. The faction also moved to dissolve the party executives in five key states, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Plateau, and Enugu which are perceived to be controlled by Wike’s supporters.
The deep fracture was underscored by the absence of critical figures and officials:
- INEC officials were absent, reportedly obeying two Federal High Court rulings that had ordered the Commission to keep off and not recognize the convention’s outcome.
- Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido boycotted the event, with Lamido specifically protesting his alleged exclusion from the chairmanship contest despite a court order favoring his participation.
The crisis echoes the 2014 split that saw prominent members defect to form the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Given the open dissent from state governors and the ongoing legal battles, the PDP now faces an existential dilemma regarding the legitimacy and future stability of its leadership structure.
