In Its Most Dramatic Move Yet, Pdp Issues “Expulsion Certificates” To Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, Others

By Jeremy Fregene
In a dramatic expression of its internal battles, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued formal “expulsion certificates” to former governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose; National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu; and several other prominent figures, effectively sealing their removal from the party. The unprecedented move marks one of the most sweeping purges in PDP history and underscores a deepening crisis within the opposition party.

PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki unveiled the decision on Tuesday during a press conference following a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja. He announced that, in addition to Wike, Fayose, and Anyanwu, the expulsions extend to the party’s Legal Adviser, Kamarudeen Ajibade; former senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Austin Nwachukwu; Abraham Amah Nnanna; George Turnah; and Chief Dan Orbih, all of whom were sanctioned during the party’s recent national convention in Lagos.

Turaki said original copies of the expulsion certificates have already been sent to the affected members via courier, explaining that the documents will serve as official proof of their removal from the PDP. He argued that Nigeria’s laws prohibit dual-party membership and that the certificates would “make it easy” for the expelled members to register openly with other political parties without legal complications.

“Now that they are no longer members of our party, and now that the National Convention—our highest decision-making organ—has expelled them, we decided to issue certificates of expulsion,” Turaki said. “So, when they go to register with other political parties, they can show these certificates as proof. By that, those parties will not accuse them of trying to belong to more than one political party.”

The PDP chairman called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to take note of the expulsions. He warned that public disclaimers would soon follow, cautioning that anyone conducting political or legal business with the affected individuals would be doing so “at their own risk.”

Turaki also disclosed that the NWC reviewed ongoing legal battles, including suits filed by and against the party over the “unlawful and illegal” closure of the PDP National Secretariat—Legacy House—and the iconic Wadata Plaza. According to him, party lawyers reported that the PDP is “on sound ground” and expects the law to take its course soon.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to reclaiming its role as Nigeria’s main opposition force, Turaki declared that the NWC is determined to rebuild and reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. “We are going to provide a credible alternative to Nigerians,” he said. “We are going to provide credible leadership by the special grace of God from 2027.”

The issuance of expulsion certificates—virtually unheard of in Nigerian party politics—signals that the PDP’s internal wars have reached a turning point, with the party openly severing ties with some of its most influential former leaders.