The internal rift within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened on Thursday as rival factions loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike and National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki issued conflicting disclaimers, each declaring the other expelled from the party.
The Wike-led faction first announced the expulsion of Turaki and his supporters, accusing them of false representation and engaging in actions not sanctioned by the party.
The group stated that Turaki’s camp “has no authority to represent the PDP, speak for the PDP, issue instructions, or carry out any political, administrative, or organizational activity in the name of the party.”
In a swift rebuttal, the Turaki-led faction released its own disclaimer, asserting that Wike had been expelled and could no longer act or speak for the PDP.
It warned the public against engaging with Wike in any party-related capacity, insisting that such interactions would be invalid.
The Wike group, through its National Secretary, Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu, also issued a broader advisory targeting individuals it said were falsely parading themselves as PDP members.
The statement listed prominent figures, including Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Emmanuel Udom, and Bode George, accusing them of “embarrassing misrepresentation.”
According to the faction, the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) had expelled these individuals on November 18, 2025, for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.
Supporters were cautioned not to recognize or associate with anyone falsely claiming PDP membership, stressing that such engagement would be “at their own risk.”
The Wike-led faction also rejected the legitimacy of a recent convention held by the Turaki camp in Ibadan, describing it as a “charade” in defiance of valid court orders.
It insisted that anyone presenting themselves as newly elected PDP national officers is an impostor and “a meddlesome interloper.”
The escalation adds another layer of uncertainty to the PDP’s already fractured leadership structure, with both factions doubling down on rival claims to authority.
(TheCable)
