The factions led by Kabiru Turaki and Nyesom Wike in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued separate disclaimer notices, with each side asserting that the other is no longer part of the party.
The Turaki-led national working committee (NWC) released a notice listing 11 politicians it claimed were expelled during the party’s elective convention held in Ibadan from November 15 to 16.
The document, which included photographs and names of Nyesom Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, Ayodele Fayose, Umar Bature, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turnah, Dan Orbih, Austine Nwachukwu, Mon’d Abdulrahman, and Abraham Amah, was signed by Turaki, national chairman. It warned that “any interactions or representations made by these expelled members are not authorised by our great party”.
The disclaimer also noted that anyone choosing to engage with the listed individuals “does so at their own peril”.
This announcement came after expulsion certificates were issued to the 11 individuals in Abuja, shortly after Umar Damagum handed over to Turaki.
Turaki explained that the action was taken to restore discipline within the PDP, saying the affected persons had consistently acted against the party’s interest through parallel congresses, legal disputes, and open support for rival parties.
“With these certificates, the affected individuals are free to continue to align with any political platform of their choice, but they can no longer claim membership of the PDP,” he said, adding that the party must now focus on rebuilding ahead of future elections. “The PDP will never die,” he emphasised.
In response, the Wike-backed faction released its own disclaimer naming 18 politicians it said were expelled by the national executive committee (NEC) on November 18 for offences such as “anti-party activities” and “gross misconduct”.
The notice, signed by Samuel Anyanwu, national secretary, listed Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, Seyi Makinde, Emmanuel Udom, Adolphus Wabara, Taofeek Arapaja, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Ben Obi, Bode George, Okechukwu Obiechina, Emmanuel Ogidi, Emmanuel Eledan, Suleiman Kadade Mohammed, Sumaila Adamu Bunza, Kosheodo Sotonji, Daniel Woyengikuro, Umar Sani, and Umar Bargo.
The faction said those listed were “falsely parading themselves as members or officers of the Peoples Democratic Party”, urging the public to ignore any such claims. It also maintained that the Ibadan convention that produced Turaki’s NWC “was a charade and a mere social gathering” with no constitutional backing.
These rival disclaimers underscore the deepening rift in the PDP, which is now grappling with two competing leadership structures and escalating internal hostilities.