PDP Crisis Deepens as Turaki Takes Charge, Expels Wike, Others

Abuja - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) entered a new phase of internal restructuring on Tuesday as former National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, formally handed over leadership to the newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

The handover ceremony, held in Abuja during an enlarged meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), marked the beginning of what Turaki described as a “disciplined, united, and purposeful opposition ready to rescue Nigeria in 2027.”

Speaking with firmness that signaled a new direction for the opposition party, Turaki declared:

He vowed to rebuild the party’s national structure, restore internal discipline, and strengthen unity across all organs of the PDP.

Ambassador Damagum, in his farewell remarks, thanked the party for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support to the new leadership as the PDP undergoes another round of reforms.

In a parallel development, the NWC issued formal Certificates of Expulsion to several high-profile members, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The expulsions, ratified at the November 16, 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, were grounded in Article 59(3) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017). The affected members were accused of persistent anti-party activities and open collaboration with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Those expelled include:

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – Minister of the FCT

Samuel Anyanwu – Former National Secretary

Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN – Former National Legal Adviser

Umar Bature – Former National Organizing Secretary

Abdulrahman Mohammed – Former National Vice Chairman (North Central)

Ayo Fayose – Former Governor of Ekiti State

Austine Nwachukwu – Former Imo State Chairman

Abraham Amah – Former Abia State Chairman

Others involved in what the party described as “gross sabotage.”

According to the NWC, these expulsions are “final and irrevocable.”

The new chairman unveiled a four-point plan aimed at repositioning the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections:

Launch a nationwide reconciliation of genuine members

Enforce strict party discipline

Rebuild state structures and grassroots networks

Present a united opposition against what he called “the failed APC administration.”

Turaki added:

As he assumes office, political observers say the strength of Turaki’s reforms will determine whether the PDP can regain national influence after years of internal crises and defections.