The factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, has reportedly expelled Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) from the party.
The group also announced the expulsion of the party’s new National Chairman, Sen. Tanimu Turaki; Board of Trustees Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara; Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; and Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for South-South, Emmanuel Ogidi, among others, citing alleged anti-party activities.
The announcement followed clashes between the Makinde-Bala Mohammed faction and the faction supported by Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, when both groups attempted to hold separate meetings at the PDP headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary, presented the communique of the controversial 103rd NEC meeting held by the faction at the party’s national secretariat. He said the expulsions were ratified over alleged disregard for court judgments, which the faction claimed had brought the party into disrepute.
“NEC received the report of the acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute,” Anyanwu said.
The NEC approved disciplinary procedures against Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, and others. Chief Ali Odefa was also directed to refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on December 12, 2024.
The NEC further ratified the dissolution of State Executive Councils in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti. It directed the NWC to constitute caretaker committees and hold fresh congresses, while recognising the Edo exco led by Nosa Ogieva.
Deputies in all National Working Committee positions left vacant by expulsions were instructed to assume substantive roles in acting capacity. The NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
In addition, the NEC mandated the party’s legal team and NWC to initiate constitutional action to recover seats of elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
Anyanwu said the NEC approved a party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, alongside a nationwide membership audit and revalidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“NEC acknowledges member anxieties but assures the party faithful that these decisions aim to stabilise and strengthen the PDP. The era of indiscipline is over. With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle,” he said.
BoT Chairman Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa and Abdulrahman, in their opening remarks, urged members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will overcome its internal challenges.
