The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expelled 11 members, including high-profile figures like Nyesom Wike and Ayo Fayose, during its 2025 National Convention in Ibadan. The move aims to restore unity and discipline ahead of the 2027 elections. The party proceeded despite court orders seeking to halt the event.
On November 15, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its National Elective Convention at the 10,000-capacity Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Despite multiple court rulings, including one from an Abuja High Court obtained by former Adamawa governor Sule Lamido, the party went ahead with the proceedings. Accreditation of over 3,000 delegates from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory began in the afternoon, following arrivals since Friday.
The convention opened with the presentation of flags to key leaders: PDP National Chairman Ambassador Ilya Damagum received the party flag; Adamawa State governor Ahmadu Fintiri, chairman of the Convention Committee, received the convention flag; Bauchi State governor Senator Bala Mohammed received the Nigerian flag; host governor Seyi Makinde received the Oyo State flag; Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro and House Representative Hon. Fred Agbedi received their respective legislative flags.
During the event, the PDP announced the expulsion of 11 members for anti-party activities, including collaboration to prevent the convention. The expelled individuals are Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose; Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Hon. Austin Nwachukwu; Umar Bature; Mohammed Abdulrahman; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Abraham Amah; George Turner; and Chief Dan Orbih. (Note: One source initially listed Emmanuel Anyanwu and Adeyemi Ajibade, but the official PDP statement and multiple reports confirm Samuel Anyanwu and Kamaldeen Ajibade.)
Former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George announced the expulsions, condemning the members for acting against party interests. A PDP statement on its official X account read: “In a landmark move to restore unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections... the decision, which was promptly ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates, underscores the party’s commitment to eradicating internal divisions and anti-party conduct.”
National Vice Chairman (South South) Emma Ogini dismissed the court rulings as no threat, stating, “Look at the delegates and the crowd—they came voluntarily. We will appeal the judgments. This party is an Iroko tree; no amount of scheming from the APC or federal might can uproot it,” while alleging President Bola Tinubu's involvement. Governor Fintiri dismissed obstacles in his opening remarks, assuring validity of resolutions, and Chairman Damagum urged calm and commitment to revival. The previous evening, Governor Makinde hosted a dinner for PDP governors, former governors, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and National Working Committee members.