In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through Nigerian politics, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has undergone its most significant internal purge, expelling three sitting governors and a host of top-tier party chieftains.
A Historic Purge and Factional Clash
The Nyesom Wike-backed National Executive Committee (NEC) convened for its 103rd meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, under a heavy police presence at the party's national secretariat in Abuja. The meeting culminated in the ratification of the expulsion of Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
This drastic action also extended to other prominent figures, including the Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy National Chairman candidate, Olabode George; and former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
The NEC justified these expulsions by citing "deliberate violations" of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution. The charges included disobedience of court orders and engaging in conduct that brought the party into disrepute, specifically for organizing and attending an unauthorized convention.
Chaos and Violence at Wadata Plaza
The day was marked by high drama and violent confrontations at the PDP's Wadata Plaza headquarters. By 7:30 a.m., the faction led by Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman had secured control of the premises, locking out supporters of Governor Makinde.
At 11:00 a.m., the Makinde–Bala Mohammed camp launched a counter-offensive, storming the secretariat with Kabiru Turaki in an attempt to force entry. This led to violent clashes between thugs accompanying the governors and security personnel. Police were forced to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing journalists, staff, and party supporters to flee the scene.
Journalist Mohammed Baba sustained head injuries and had his camera destroyed during the melee, with police later describing the secretariat as a "dangerous battlefield." The standoff continued until Governor Makinde eventually left the premises.
Far-Reaching Consequences and Party Directives
Beyond the expulsions, the NEC meeting resulted in several consequential decisions that will reshape the party's structure.
The committee ratified the dissolution of State Executive Committees in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. Conversely, it affirmed the legitimacy of the Edo State Executive led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva.
In a move to reclaim its political footing, the NEC directed immediate constitutional action to recover the seats of all lawmakers who had defected from the party. It also invoked relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to support this directive.
The committee affirmed Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as the Acting National Chairman and instructed deputies in the National Working Committee (NWC) to assume acting roles for positions vacated by the expulsions.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the NEC announced a nationwide membership audit and revalidation exercise. A reconciliation programme was also announced, with a firm caveat that it "will not compromise discipline."
This series of events underscores the profound factionalism consuming the PDP, a party once regarded as Africa's largest, now grappling with its most severe internal crisis just years before a crucial national election.
