The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention has expelled the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the party National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the former governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose for anti-party activities.
They were expelled at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo state on Saturday.
Besides, the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, Abdurahman Muhammed, Mao Ohuambuwa, George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah and Dan Orbih, were also expelled
Bode George moved thr motion for their expulsion, and was seconded by Bauchi state PDP Chairman, Samaila Buga.
The convention dissolved the Amb. Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee and proceed to elect new members of the party National Working Committee (NWC).
While Sen. Ben Obi and Emmanuel Enoidem, moved and seconded motion for the elective convention to proceed, Gov. Seyi Makinde moved motion that ratified all congresses that have been concluded from ward to zones. The motion was seconded by National Auditor South East.
The Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang moved a motion to dissolve excos of Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia and Imo states. The motion was seconded by Dame Ime Udoh.
The Edo state chairman of PDP, Tony Azigbemi moved a motion for the ratification of Amb. Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of PDP.
Flags were presented to the Senate Caucus headed by Sen. Abba Moro, Hon. Fred Agbedi receive House of Reps Flag for house caucus, Gov. Bala Mohammed receives Nigeria flag as Chairman of PDP-Governors’ Forum, Seyi Makinde receives host state flag, Damagum receives that of PDP, and Fintiri receives Convention Flag to kick start the convention.
Fintiri,who declared the convention opened, noted that Nigerians are still looking up to PDP to continue with its role of leadership, adding that the convention gave the opportunity to answer that call.
He added: “Today again, I am deeply bound to call on our attention on the definition of what the Peoples Democratic Party stands for, a party solidly founded on the tenets of courage and democratic ideals to rescue Nigeria.
“It must at all times never veer off from the course of our fundamental tenets. Nigeria and Nigerians are still looking up to us to play that role that has always been our tradition. We have an opportunity, especially with this convention, to answer this call.
“To take up this call, we must agree that as a party we have a huge responsibility to reinvent ourselves. We must admit that whatever bad that has happened to Nigeria over the past few years has also happened to our party.
“Fractured commitment, minimum party loyalty and disoriented thought which has left us disunited and disheartened. In the midst of all this, some of us have left, yet some of us have remained. The soul of the party is still intact because there are men and women who believe in the party’s fundamental tenets, which is embedded in its rescue mission and its capacity to give Nigeria true democratic governance.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on all members that have left the party to return back home. I share in their credits, but I also understand that they are more frustrated where they are and have gone to. Yes, we have had our own struggles, but we must also remember that we have had our good times.
“It is a sad that we are off to a good course. What we need is the fixed unity of purpose and better resolve and courage to soldier on beyond the election of our national officers.
“As the chairman of the NCOC, it is not within my purview to go on with this exercise.”
The party, which held its national elective convention amidst conflicting court orders, had been embroiled in crisis since the 2023 presidential election and also has been factionalized since the build-up to the national elective convention held on Saturday and Sunday.
The scheduled convention had split the party into two factions led by Amb. Umar Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu respectively.
