PDP Convention: Damagum-led NWC Considers Expelling Wike

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly considering the expulsion of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the party amid ongoing internal crises.

According to top party sources, there is a growing consensus among key officials that drastic action is necessary if reconciliation efforts fail. One source, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the Adolphus Wabara-led Board of Trustees (BoT) is making a final attempt at reconciliation. “If the BoT’s effort fails, expulsion may be inevitable. The FCT Minister has consistently shown that it is either his way or no way. Many governors and party leaders have tried to reason with him, but he has refused,” the source said.

The official added that Wike’s actions, including openly campaigning for an APC presidential candidate in 2027, cannot be overlooked by the PDP. “You cannot be a PDP leader and openly campaign for an APC president in 2027 and expect nothing to happen. Only time will tell,” he warned.

Another senior party leader indicated that the Damagum-led NWC was building consensus around Wike’s expulsion, describing it as the last resort after repeated failed peace efforts since the 2023 fallout.

Wike-Faction Petitions NJC

Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Wike has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over Justice A. L. Akintola of the Oyo State High Court. Imo State PDP chairman, Hon Austin Nwachukwu, disclosed that the petition challenges an ex parte order permitting the PDP to hold its November 15–16 national convention, which came shortly after a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the party to halt the exercise.

The petitioners alleged that Justice Akintola’s order contradicted a valid judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on October 31, warning that the judge’s actions undermined judicial hierarchy and risked eroding public confidence in the judiciary. The petition called on the NJC to investigate the matter and ensure accountability for judicial misconduct.

Court Reaffirms Convention

Despite the petition, Justice Akintola on Monday reaffirmed his order allowing the PDP to proceed with its national convention, instructing the party to adhere to approved guidelines and schedules. The judge adjourned the matter to Wednesday for hearing of all pending applications.

Folahan Adelabi, the claimant in the suit, is seeking an order restraining the Damagum-led NWC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other agents from obstructing the convention.

Wike Camp Can’t Stop Convention

Former PDP National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri affirmed that the Wike-backed faction will not prevent the convention. He emphasized that the Damagum-led NWC remains the authentic leadership of the party under the PDP constitution and that all members must comply with court rulings.

Tsauri predicted that following the convention, which will elect new NWC members, there would be a wave of defections back to the PDP, dismissing the BoT’s intervention as “child’s play.” He added, “Those who boast that nobody can touch them have now seen that even top party officers can be suspended for anti-party activities. The court has recognised no one except Damagum.”

The PDP convention, set for November 15–16 in Ibadan, thus proceeds amid heightened internal tensions, with Wike’s fate hanging in the balance.