The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent members — including former governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose — in what it described as a decisive effort to sanitise the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The announcement was made at a post-meeting briefing after the National Working Committee, NWC, convened in Abuja.
National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, said the move underscores the party’s renewed resolve to enforce discipline and end long-running internal sabotage.
According to Turaki, the NWC reviewed party operations, ongoing primaries, legal battles and handover notes from the previous national leadership. He confirmed that expulsion certificates had already been dispatched via courier to Wike, Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna and Dan Orbih.
“They have been expelled. They remain expelled. We have now certified their expulsion, and these certificates have been sent to them,” he said.
The chairman added that the action also formally notifies INEC, the police, DSS, NSCDC and other national institutions that these individuals are no longer members of the PDP.
He warned that the public would soon receive disclaimers cautioning that anyone who engages them in the name of the PDP does so “at their own risk.”
Osun Congresses, Adeleke’s Status, and Internal Issues
Turaki confirmed that the NWC had reviewed and approved the Osun congresses for selecting ad-hoc delegates.
He affirmed that the Osun governorship primary was proceeding smoothly and clarified that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains a legitimate aspirant.
He dismissed the purported resignation letter circulating online, stating that no official notice had been received.
Turaki further insisted that the strength of the PDP lies in its supporters, not its officeholders.
“Our power is in the people, and that is why the PDP is the people’s party,” he said.
He also noted that the party had not received formal communication from former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, both recently nominated for ambassadorial positions.
PDP Attacks APC on Security Performance
In a broader national critique, Turaki condemned the security situation under the APC-led Federal Government, insisting Nigeria’s security architecture requires urgent overhaul.
“Nigerians are not safe on the streets, in their workplaces, on the farms, in the markets or in their homes. Every citizen lives in perpetual fear. That must change,” he said.
He added that state governors cannot be held responsible for security when they lack operational control over security agencies.
The NWC also reviewed ongoing legal disputes involving the party, including the closure of its Legacy House and Wadata Plaza offices.
PDP Challenges President Tinubu on Democracy Standards
In a related development, the PDP criticized President Bola Tinubu over his intervention in Guinea-Bissau, where he reportedly granted asylum and protection to opposition candidate Fernando Dia Da Costa.
While acknowledging the move as positive for regional stability, the PDP said the President must apply the same democratic standards at home.
“The President cannot defend democracy abroad while tolerating anti-democratic practices at home,” the statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong read.
The party accused actors within the ruling APC of coercing officials to defect and fueling internal crises in opposition parties, warning that Nigeria risks drifting toward a one-party state if such practices continue.
The PDP urged President Tinubu to urgently safeguard Nigeria’s democratic space, saying credibility abroad must begin with fairness at home.