The political crisis rocking Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has escalated dramatically. The faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a defiant step by convening its own emergency meetings, directly challenging the authority of the party's recent national convention.
Wike's Camp Rejects Ibadan Convention, Plans Counter-Measures
In a bold move that signals a deepening rift, the Wike-aligned group has officially summoned meetings of the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Executive Committee (NEC). According to a formal notice issued on Monday, November 17, by the faction's National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, the BoT meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja.
This will be followed by a NEC meeting at 2:00 p.m. at the same venue. The notice, which was widely circulated by Wike's media aide, Lere Olayinka, stressed that attendance is compulsory because crucial party matters will be addressed.
The Trigger: Expulsions at the Ibadan Convention
This decisive action from Wike's camp is a direct response to the events that unfolded at the PDP's 2025 National Convention, which was held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, November 15. During that gathering, several high-profile members were expelled from the party for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The list of those expelled is a who's who of the Wike faction and includes Nyesom Wike himself, Samuel Anyanwu, and former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose. Others shown the exit door are the former National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and the Imo State PDP Chairman, Austin Nwachukwu.
The expulsion motion was initiated by a senior party figure, former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Bode George, and received a second from the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Samaila Buga. The Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, then put the motion to a voice vote, which was passed by an overwhelming majority of the delegates present.
A Party at War with Itself
By calling parallel BoT and NEC meetings, the Wike faction is making it clear that they do not recognize the outcomes of the Ibadan convention. They have dismissed the event as illegitimate and are preparing to formally challenge the expulsions and other decisions made there.
Lere Olayinka has framed the upcoming Abuja meetings as critical platforms to address internal party issues and ensure due process is respected. This standoff creates two competing power centers within the PDP, threatening its stability and unity ahead of future electoral contests. The party now faces a significant constitutional and political crisis, with its highest organs being summoned by rival groups.
