The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a major step to clean up its internal structure ahead of the next general elections.
The party has now issued formal expulsion certificates to eleven top members, including former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.
The announcement came after a meeting of the National Working Committee in Abuja on Tuesday. PDP National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN, briefed journalists after the session.
He said the action became necessary to restore order and end long-running internal disputes that weakened the party.
Turaki explained that the committee reviewed party activities, ongoing primary processes, court cases and the documents handed over by the former leadership.
He confirmed that the expulsion certificates had already been dispatched to the affected members through courier.
Those expelled include Wike, Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah Nnanna, George Turna and Chief Dan Orbih.
“They have been expelled. They remain expelled. We have now certified their expulsion, and these certificates have been sent to them,” Turaki said.
He added that the decision had also been communicated to INEC and security agencies to avoid confusion over their status.
The chairman said the party would soon release public disclaimers warning Nigerians against dealing with the expelled individuals in the name of the PDP.
He cautioned that anyone who ignores the notice does so at their own risk.
Turaki also addressed internal developments in Osun State.
He confirmed that the congresses conducted to select ad-hoc delegates were examined and approved by the NWC.
He said the governorship primary was still ongoing and that Senator Ademola Adeleke remained a recognised member and aspirant.
He dismissed claims that Adeleke had resigned from the PDP, saying the party had received no letter from him.
The chairman stressed that the PDP draws its strength from its members, not from individual political officeholders.
He insisted that the party would survive any internal shake-up because its support base cuts across the country.
Turaki also commented on the nomination of former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as ambassadors.
He said the party had not received formal communication from them and would only respond when proper notice arrives.
He used the briefing to criticise the worsening security situation in the country. According to him, Nigerians no longer feel safe in any location, including roads, markets, workplaces or even in their homes.
He argued that governors cannot function as true chief security officers when they lack operational control over security agencies.
Turaki also confirmed that the NWC had reviewed court cases involving the party, including those linked to the closure of its offices at Legacy House and Wadata Plaza. He expressed confidence that the party would win in court.
He explained that the new NWC had already begun studying the handover notes left by the former executives.
He assured that the party is working to strengthen its internal operations and prepare for future elections.
“We are now prepared to perform our functions as the leading opposition party in Nigeria,” he said