2 PDP governors reject Wike’s expulsion from party

Two serving governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have publicly rejected the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the party.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and his Plateau State counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang, issued separate statements on Saturday distancing themselves from the action, which was announced only hours earlier at the party’s national convention in Ibadan.

Mr Fintiri, who presided over the 2025 elective national convention where the expulsion was made public, posted on X that the decision did not reflect the party’s best interests. According to him, he would not endorse any step capable of worsening the PDP’s already fragile internal cohesion.

“I, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, wishes to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from PDP. I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis,” he said.

He added that his stance stemmed from a desire to protect the unity and stability of the PDP, insisting that reconciliation remained the only sustainable route out of the party’s internal conflicts.

“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. I believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.”

Alongside Mr Wike, the PDP earlier announced the expulsion of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and eight others. Mr Fintiri, however, offered no comment on the removal of the other members.

Party officials have defended the expulsions as consistent with the PDP Constitution, arguing that the National Convention holds the ultimate authority to discipline members accused of anti-party activities.

Mr Fintiri nonetheless reiterated his commitment to supporting efforts geared toward restoring harmony within the party.

“I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion. As a party man, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability, and progress within the PDP. Let me reiterate that my position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal,” he added.

In a separate reaction, Governor Mutfwang said the expulsion of Mr Wike and ten others was not discussed at either the PDP Governors’ Forum or the National Executive Committee (NEC) before it was brought to the convention floor and adopted.

His spokesperson, Gyang Bere, conveyed the governor’s stance in a statement issued Saturday.

“The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Samuel Anyanwu alongside other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“In a press statement, Governor Mutfwang clarified that this subject was neither discussed by Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented. He emphasised that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter,” he said.

The governor maintained that removing the affected party leaders would not help address the divisions currently troubling the PDP.

“Governor Mutfwang further noted that expelling the party leaders at this crucial time is not a strategic step toward resolving the internal challenges currently confronting the PDP. He reiterated the need for unity, dialogue, and collective effort in rebuilding and repositioning the party.”

The PDP presently governs eight states: Oyo, Osun, Rivers, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, and Zamfara.

At the Ibadan convention, convened under the leadership of National Chairman Umar Damagun, delegates adopted a motion expelling Mr Wike, Mr Fayose, Mr Anyanwu and eight others for alleged anti-party activities. Most of those removed are considered key allies of Mr Wike.

One of those affected, Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional chairman aligned with Mr Wike’s camp, was removed during the same convention. Three others — Imo PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu, Abia PDP Chairman Amah Nnanna and South-South Zonal Secretary Turnah George — were expelled after challenging the validity of the convention in court.

Also expelled were National Organising Secretary Umaru Bature, National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Mao Ohuabunwa and Dan Orbih.

The expulsions — and any resolutions passed — are expected to face legal challenges, as the convention proceeded despite two Federal High Court orders restraining the PDP from holding it pending resolution of ongoing case.

Wike, a major financier of the PDP during his eight-year tenure as governor of Rivers State, fell out with the party’s leadership after losing the 2023 presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar. Though he maintained his PDP membership, he accepted President Bola Tinubu’s offer to serve as FCT minister and has openly backed the APC leader’s re-election bid.

His removal from the PDP is seen as a development that could leave the party more fractured, with court battles likely to follow.