BREAKING: PDP faction loyal to Wike expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, others

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sanctioned several high-profile members, including three serving governors, former party leaders, and senior officials, in a move described as a significant shake-up within the party.

The disciplinary actions were decided during the committee’s 103rd meeting, held on Tuesday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

Those expelled include the Governors of Oyo, Bauchi and Zamfara States, Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and Dauda Lawal, alongside former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; and elder statesman, Chief Bode George.

NEC said the sanctions followed allegations of anti-party activities and constant disregard for court orders.

Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo recommending the expulsions, said the affected individuals repeatedly violated judicial directives and engaged in conduct that damaged the party’s credibility.

Reading the NEC communiqué, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the committee met to address matters threatening the unity and constitutional order of the PDP.

He added that Nigerians looked to the party for stability at a critical moment for the country.

According to the communiqué, NEC criticised members who defied court orders by organising and attending an “unauthorised convention,” an action it said caused confusion, factional divisions and the defection of governors and lawmakers.

NEC reaffirmed its loyalty to the PDP constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, warning it will no longer tolerate acts of impunity. It also approved disciplinary actions against several party figures, including:

Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi 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 directed expelled former National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, to refund all salaries and allowances he received after his earlier expulsion in December 2024. It further ratified Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

As part of a wider restructuring move, NEC dissolved the State Executive Committees in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Ekiti and Bayelsa States.

The National Working Committee (NWC) was ordered to immediately appoint caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses.

The Edo State EXCO led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor was affirmed.

NEC also approved that deputies in all vacant NWC positions should assume acting roles. It formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.

The committee further instructed the party’s legal team to begin constitutional steps to reclaim the seats of elected officials who defected from the PDP, citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

To strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections, NEC approved a nationwide reconciliation process and a full membership audit and revalidation exercise.

The communiqué assured members that the decisions were necessary to restore order, discipline and public confidence in the PDP. “The era of indiscipline is over,” NEC declared.

Earlier in their remarks, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman, urged members to remain loyal, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its current challenges.