The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its intention to pursue legal action against certain members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who recently announced their departure from the party. This firm stance was communicated in an official statement released on Saturday.
PDP's Strong Condemnation and Legal Threat
In the press release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP expressed its awareness of the lawmakers' actions, which it described as a second defection after a previous recantation. The party's statement was scathing in its assessment.
The PDP accused the legislators of acting as "political puppets" and serving the interests of a "paymaster and demigod." It further stated that their conduct since taking office has been a hindrance to democratic progress, branding them as potential "enemies of democracy" who have brought the legislature into disrepute.
Characterizing the move as essentially a defection "from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the APC," the party vowed to activate constitutional provisions. The goal is to reclaim the electoral mandates won under the PDP's banner, which the defectors have now abandoned for another platform. The party urged its members in Rivers State to remain steadfast as it works to rebuild based on principles of inclusiveness and fairness.
Reaffirmation of High-Profile Expulsions
In a related development, the PDP on Thursday officially reaffirmed the expulsion of several prominent former members. A disclaimer signed by the party's National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), clarified the status of these individuals.
The document stated that the expulsion was finalized at the party's Year 2025 Elective National Convention held on November 15th and 16th in Ibadan, Oyo State. Consequently, they are no longer members and hold no office within the PDP.
The list of expelled members includes:
- Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- Ayodele Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State
- Samuel Anyanwu, former National Secretary
- Umar Bature
- Kamaldeen Ajibade
- Mao Ohuabunwa
- George Turnah
- Dan Orbih
- Austin Nwachukwu
- Mon’d Abdulrahman
- Abraham Amah
Turaki warned the public that any dealings with these expelled individuals are unauthorized by the PDP and undertaken at one's own risk. This reaffirmation follows an earlier announcement on Tuesday where the National Chairman confirmed that certificates of expulsion had been issued to Wike and the ten others, following a decision by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja.
Implications for Party Unity and Democracy
The twin announcements signal a hardening of positions within the PDP as it seeks to enforce discipline and clarify its membership. The threat of legal action against the Rivers lawmakers leverages constitutional provisions meant to curb arbitrary defections, a common phenomenon in Nigerian politics.
By publicly disavowing high-profile figures like Wike and Fayose, the party leadership aims to draw a clear line and consolidate control. These moves underscore the ongoing internal restructuring and battles for influence within one of Nigeria's major political parties, with significant implications for the political landscape in Rivers State and the nation at large.
