Ofure Akhigbe
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the expulsion of 18 prominent party members, warning the public against those it described as “impostors” still parading themselves as PDP leaders.
In a disclaimer issued on Wednesday by its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the faction stated that the affected individuals were duly expelled by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on November 18 for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct, in line with the amended 2017 PDP Constitution.
Among those listed are the governors of Bauchi, Zamfara and Oyo states — Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal and Seyi Makinde — as well as former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel; former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; and former Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja.
Also named are former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki; former presidential adviser, Ben Obi; former Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George; and former Acting National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum.
Others affected include Okechukwu Obiechina, Emmanuel Ogidi, Emmanuel Ebien, Suleiman Kadade Mohammed, Sunmaila Adamu Bunza, Koshoedo Setonji, Daniel Woyengikuro and Umar Sani.
The faction expressed concern over what it termed the “embarrassing misrepresentation” by those expelled, who it said continue to speak and act in the name of the party despite having lost their membership.
It urged party faithful and the general public to disregard any statements, directives or activities by the affected individuals, stressing that they no longer possess the authority to represent the PDP in any capacity.
The Anyanwu-led faction also dismissed a recent gathering in Ibadan involving some of the expelled members, describing it as a mere social event and “a charade,” insisting it was not a national convention of the PDP.
“Anybody parading himself as a newly elected national officer of the party is an impostor and a meddlesome interloper,” Anyanwu warned.
The faction reiterated that it remains united under what it described as the party’s legitimate leadership and called on supporters to continue to align with the constitutionally recognised structures of the PDP.
The disclaimer came a day after a rival faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki issued a counter-statement, claiming that Wike, Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and others had themselves ceased to be members of the PDP.
The escalating exchange of expulsions highlights the deepening internal crisis within the opposition party, with both factions accusing each other of anti-party activities and disowning rival leadership structures.