The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday as the National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, issued formal certificates of expulsion to 11 prominent members, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Speaking to journalists after a marathon NWC meeting at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Turaki said the certificates had been dispatched via courier to all affected individuals as official confirmation of their removal, following the resolution adopted at the National Convention in Ibadan.
He explained that the action was necessary to ensure political clarity and prevent the expelled politicians from violating laws governing dual party membership as they seek affiliation with other political parties.
“They are no longer members of the Peoples Democratic Party. They have been expelled, they remain expelled, and these certificates have been sent to them,” Turaki said as he raised each document before reporters. “We are doing this for the benefit of INEC and security agencies, so no one is misled.”
Others expelled include Umar Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Kamaluddin Adeyemi Ajibadi (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna and George Turna.
Turaki also announced that the NWC had reviewed and approved the Osun State congresses and the ongoing governorship primary election, saying reports from party officials indicated a transparent and peaceful process.
He dismissed claims by the Osun State party chairman that the primaries had been indefinitely postponed, insisting that only the NWC has the constitutional power to conduct, postpone or cancel primaries.
“As we speak, the primaries are ongoing. Whatever contrary statement he made is of no consequence,” Turaki stated.
He added that Governor Ademola Adeleke—whose alleged resignation from the PDP circulated widely on social media—is constitutionally free to join or leave any political party.
“If Governor Adeleke chooses not to present himself for screening or sends a notice of withdrawal, it will be documented. But as a Nigerian, he has the right to freedom of association,” Turaki said.
