PDP Convention: Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, others expelled as delegates ratify Damagum as national chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday wielded the big stick at its 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, expelling several high-profile members — including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); and Austin Nwachukwu — over alleged anti-party activities.

The expulsions, described as a “landmark disciplinary action,” were overwhelmingly ratified by delegates at the convention holding at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba. Party officials said the move underscores the PDP’s renewed push to “restore unity, discipline and focus” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Delegates also unanimously confirmed Umaru Damagum as the substantive National Chairman.

The motion for his ratification was moved by Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Abineri, on behalf of over 3,000 accredited delegates, and seconded by Edward Marshal. Party leaders said the action aligns with Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (as amended).

“The ratification of Umaru Damagum is in accordance with our constitution and reflects the collective will of the delegates,” Abineri said.

Although the ongoing convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, is expected to produce a new national chairman through a voting process, party insiders say former Sokoto State Governor, Kabiru Turaki, may emerge unopposed as he is currently the only contender for the position.

Delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to cast their votes.

Addressing delegates, Oyo State Governor and Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Seyi Makinde, praised party faithful for their resilience.

“It has been a long, tough journey to get here. The 2025 PDP Elective Convention will remain evergreen, not only in the minds of our members but in the history of the nation,” Makinde said.

PDP BoT rejects caretaker committee proposal, insists national convention will hold as scheduled

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disowned the report of its own six-member reconciliation panel, rejecting recommendations to suspend the upcoming PDP national convention and install a caretaker committee.

The committee, inaugurated on November 5, 2025, was tasked with reconciling warring factions and advising on the future of the party. However, its report – submitted on November 13 – urged the suspension of the convention over multiple court cases that could prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from monitoring the exercise.

The panel warned that “a failed convention will incapacitate the party,” recommending an all-inclusive caretaker leadership and the immediate lifting of suspensions to foster reconciliation. It also advised the restoration of the BoT’s authority under the party constitution.

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Chaired by Ambassador Hassan Adamu, with Chief Mike Oghiadomhe as secretary, the panel had representation from all six geopolitical zones, including Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, Senator Zeinab Kure, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Dr. Mohammed Gusau.

But in a strongly worded statement released at 2:37am on Saturday, November 14, 2025, BoT chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara dissociated the board from the report, declaring it “not the official position of the BoT.”

The statement stressed:

“The BoT is unwavering in its endorsement of the elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 to 16, 2025, in Ibadan… We reject any suggestion for a caretaker committee.”

Citing a recent Supreme Court judgment upholding party supremacy in internal affairs, the BoT insisted that courts cannot stop the convention.

The board urged members to stay focused on ensuring a successful convention, which will elect new leaders to run the party for the next four years.

PDP BoT rejects caretaker committee proposal, insists national convention will hold as scheduled

Court Stops PDP National Convention, Orders Inclusion of Sule Lamido

The Federal High Court in Abuja has halted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment delivered on Friday, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or recognising any convention conducted by the PDP without the inclusion of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, as a contestant.

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The court held that Lamido was unjustly denied the opportunity to obtain the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman—an action it described as a violation of the PDP Constitution and its internal regulations.

Justice Lifu noted that the party is constitutionally obligated to provide equal opportunity for its members to aspire to leadership positions, adding that evidence showed the former governor was deliberately shut out of the process.

As part of the consequential orders, the court directed the PDP to put its convention on hold to allow Lamido obtain the necessary nomination forms, mobilise supporters and carry out his campaign.

The ruling effectively stalls the party’s planned national exercise until full compliance with the court’s directive.

BREAKING: Court stops PDP National Convention, orders inclusion of Sule Lamido