The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has plunged into its most dramatic shake-up in years as the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Tuesday expelled three sitting governors—Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)—alongside former top party elders including Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Taofeek Arapaja, and a long list of other influential figures.
The far-reaching decisions were ratified at the party’s 103rd NEC meeting held at the national secretariat in Abuja, marking a seismic political moment that instantly redefines the PDP’s internal power map.
Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo recommending the expulsions, said the affected members brazenly violated subsisting court orders and brought the party into disrepute by participating in an unauthorised convention—an action he warned had fuelled confusion, factionalisation, and mass defections across the country.
Reading the communiqué, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the party had no choice but to defend its constitution and restore order.
“At a time Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law,” the communiqué stated.
NEC accused the expelled members of breaching Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and actions capable of undermining the party’s unity nationwide.
The disciplinary net also caught several high-profile members, including Udom Emmanuel, Ben Obi, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Umar Sani, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Burga, and others.
In a sweeping reorganisation, NEC also dissolved the State Executive Councils of Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Ekiti, and Bayelsa, directing the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately set up caretaker committees and commence fresh congresses. The Edo State Exco, however, was affirmed.
Another dramatic decision saw NEC ordering former South-East Vice Chairman Ali Odefa to refund all salaries and allowances he received after his earlier expulsion in December 2024.
NEC further directed deputies in all NWC positions vacated by expulsions to take over in acting capacity, while formally affirming Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
The party has now ordered its legal team to begin processes to recover seats held by elected officials who defected from the PDP, relying on Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
To stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 elections, NEC also approved a nationwide reconciliation drive, membership audit, and revalidation exercise, stressing that unity must be pursued without compromising discipline.
With Tuesday’s dramatic purge, the PDP has fired a powerful warning shot—signalling that, for now, discipline trumps sentiment and the battle for the soul of the party has only just begun.
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