PDP Drops Political Bombshell: Wike, Fayose, 9 Others Get Expulsion Certificates as Party Moves to ‘Sanitise Ranks’ Ahead of 2027
By Passman Akpos
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has ignited a political firestorm after formally dispatching expulsion certificates to 11 heavyweight politicians—including former governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose—in what party leaders describe as a “clean-up operation” to restore discipline ahead of the 2027 polls.
The dramatic announcement was made yesterday at a post-meeting briefing following the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, session in Abuja.
Addressing journalists, National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN, said the expulsions had been “certified and sealed,” stressing that the party was done tolerating prolonged internal sabotage.
“They have been expelled. They remain expelled. We have now certified their expulsion, and these certificates have been sent to them,” Turaki declared.
The expulsion certificates—already sent via courier—were issued 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.
Turaki said the move was not just symbolic; it was also meant to formally alert INEC, the police, DSS, NSCDC and other key institutions that the affected persons no longer had any ties with the PDP.
“Very soon, proper disclaimers will go out. Anyone who does business with them in the name of PDP does so at his or her own risk,” he warned.
Adeleke Still in the Race – Despite ‘Fake’ Resignation Letter
On internal party matters, the PDP chairman confirmed that the Osun State ad hoc delegate congresses had been reviewed and approved, adding that the Osun governorship primary was ongoing—and that Governor Ademola Adeleke remained firmly in the race.
“As I speak to you now, primaries are ongoing… Governor Adeleke’s name is one of the aspirants vying for the ticket,” he said.
Turaki dismissed the circulating resignation letter attributed to Adeleke, insisting that the NWC had received no such communication.
“PDP Is Not Built on Governors—It Is Built on the People”
In a firm tone, Turaki took aim at those who believe the party depends on high-profile defectors or officeholders.
“Our strength is not in National Assembly members or governors. It is in the people. That is why the PDP is the people’s party,” he asserted.
He also addressed reports that former Governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, nominated for ambassadorial roles, were preparing to leave the party. He said no formal notice had reached the NWC.
Security Under APC ‘A National Tragedy’
Turning to national issues, Turaki delivered a scathing critique of security under the APC-led government.
“Nigerians are not safe—on the streets, farms, markets or in their homes. Every citizen lives in perpetual fear. This must change,” he said.
He dismissed the idea that governors could be called “chief security officers” when they controlled no security agencies.
Legal Battles, Handover Notes and 2027 Strategy
Turaki confirmed that the NWC had reviewed ongoing legal cases, including those involving the closure of the party’s offices at Legacy House and Wadata Plaza.
He said the new NWC had begun reviewing handover notes from previous executives to ensure continuity.
“We are now prepared to function effectively as the leading opposition party ahead of 2027,” he said confidently.
PDP to Tinubu: ‘You Can’t Preach Democracy in Guinea-Bissau While Undermining It at Home’
In a separate statement, the PDP tackled 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 gesture as positive for regional stability, the PDP argued that Tinubu must uphold the same principles within Nigeria.
“You cannot defend democracy abroad while enabling anti-democratic practices at home,” the statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong read.
The PDP accused actors within the ruling APC of coercing elected officials to defect and funding crises in opposition parties.
“This space is being constricted through coercion of elected officials and sponsorship of internal crises,” it said.
The party warned that Nigeria risked drifting toward a one-party state unless the President restrained those allegedly weaponising political institutions for partisan advantage.
“The philosophical principles guiding Nigeria’s intervention in Guinea-Bissau must also shape the President’s conduct domestically,” it said.
The PDP urged Tinubu to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
“He cannot present himself as a defender of democracy in the sub-region while enabling practices at home that undermine democratic institutions and processes.”
