By Ghazali Ibrahim
Two prominent governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have publicly rejected the party’s decision to expel key figures, including Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, during the national convention in Ibadan on Saturday 15th November, 2025.
This raises fresh concerns about internal cohesion and the path ahead for the opposition party.
On Saturday, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State issued a signed statement saying he “categorically dissociates” himself from the expulsion process, describing it as “not in the best interest of the party” and warning it could deepen the ongoing crisis.
Similarly, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State, in a statement through his official channel, rejected the expulsions and said the matter was never discussed at the Governors’ Forum or the party’s National Executive Committee, adding that the move was ill‑timed for a party in need of healing.
The expulsion of Wike, Fayose, former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and eight others was adopted by delegates at the Ibadan convention on November 15, 2025, over alleged anti‑party activities.
With two governors distancing themselves, the effort to consolidate authority within the party appears undermined, and stakeholders warn the split could weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
A three term member of the House of Representatives and former member of PDP NEC, Hon Teejay Yusuf, offered a different opinion.
His words: “To me, there is something positive that they have achieved for the party; at least, now, everybody in Ibadan has seen banners of PDP and they know that PDP is alive and well.”
Meanwhile, Saraki, Fubara and host of others who are one of the most prominent figures in PDP were absent at the convention, citing party incessant internal strife as reasons. As at the time of the expulsion announcement, Saraki was at Fayose’s birthday party in Lagos.
