By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Wike’s faction of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified the expulsion of the Governors of Oyo, Bauchi and Zamfara States, Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed and Dauda Lawal respectively.

It also expelled former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja and others for anti Party activities.

The NEC also ratified the dissolution of State Executive Council of Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

These decisions were taken at the 103 NEC meeting of the party held in the party national secretariat in Abuja today.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo for the expulsion, said it was as result of the affected party members’ disregard for court judgements, an action he said put the party in disrepute.

The NEC meeting’s Communique was read by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

It reads; “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party. At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

“NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention. This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

“NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

“NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following; Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

“NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party. NEC also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

“NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti. The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately while the Edo State Exco led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

“NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

“NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

“NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline. A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

“NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

“The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

“With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.

By Saint Mugaga

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the re-election of the re-election of the Anambra stage governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8th governorship poll.

The President in a release he personally signed described Soludo’s victory as an affirmation of his visionary leadership in the state.

He wrote: “I congratulate Professor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as the governor of Anambra State.

“The overwhelming victory he recorded in Saturday’s poll has now made him the third governor in the state’s political history to win a second term.

“I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.

“Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.

“Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that indeed knowledge is power and that academic principles can be applied in serving the people, undergirding accountability, transparency and prudent management of people and resources.

“I visited Anambra State in May this year, where I inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration. I highlighted the good thinking behind the landmark projects being embarked upon by Mr Solution. That experience is indeed remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind.

“I commend Governor Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra. Under him, Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.

“I urge Governor Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in the just-concluded elections.

“I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support, and I look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government.

“The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system and the fact that victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied.

I must also thank the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for conducting what observers have described as a credible election, based on the reports I have received thus far.

I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system.”

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad on Friday inaugurated a new Board Of Trustee (BOT) for the party.

The newly inaugurated BOT led by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Abia state, South – East, while Isah Sidi, Jigawa state, North – West, serves as the new secretary of the trustees.

Muhammad explained that the decision was reached after a meeting with the strategic members of the party across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He lamented the past crisis in the party, which he called ‘internal challenges, “But in recent times, we have faced storms that have tested the strength of our foundation. We have seen internal challenges, leadership disputes, and decisions that regrettably, drifted away from the very principles that once set us apart”.

The acting PDP chairman while explaining the reason for the inauguration of the new BOT, said, “The previous Board of Trustees, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara, sadly lost the moral balance expected of that noble institution. His suspension by the Abia State Chapter of our party over anti-party activities was a difficult but necessary step. The credibility of that leadership became heavily questioned, and its continued role in national advisory matters became untenable.

“As a result of this, the Board that was meant to be the moral compass of our party became divided and ineffective. This vacuum of moral guidance was further compounded by the actions of the then suspended National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, whose leadership regrettably chose convenience over the constitution and personal loyalty over the rule of law”.

He said, “Instead of enforcing valid judicial pronouncements and respecting the authority of the courts, that administration often preferred to protect individuals who had clearly violated the rules of the party. This dangerous trend weakened our moral standing pushed our great party to a point of deep internal disillusionment.

“When any political party begins to disregard its own constitution and laws, it loses the very soul that holds it together. This was the painful reality we faced and it led, inevitably, to the decision by three concerned members and leaders of conscience to seek judicial redress. Their decision was not borne out of anger or ambition, but out of love for the PDP and concern for its survival”.

Mohammed, therefore urged the reconstituted BoT to liaise with the leaders cross the country and unite the party.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, commended the members for considering him worthy to led the BoT.

He reiterated its commitment to strengthening the internal democratic culture of the party, promoting transparency, inclusiveness and institutional respect.

Ohuabunwa said, “The Board affirms that only through adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, the INEC guidelines, the party’s Constitution, and mutual respect can the PDP continue to serve as the true custodian of Nigeria’s democratic ideals.

“The Board of Trustees calls on all leaders, members, and supporters of the PDP across Nigeria and in the diaspora to close ranks, uphold constitutionalism, and work collectively toward a successful National Convention that will further consolidate the unity and credibility of the party”

Ohuabunwa led BoT pledged to continuously uphold its sacred responsibility as the conscience of the PDP; “speaking truth with fairness, guiding with integrity, and ensuring that our great party remains a beacon of democracy and hope for the
nation”.

The newly reconstituted Board of Trustees (BoT) was inaugurated by Adeoye Olorunsola.

Meanwhile, in a communique that was signed by Hon Isah Dansidi, Secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT), PDP, after a close door meeting, the BOT members insisted on the full and immediate compliance with the the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on October 31, 2025.

The communique, reads in part, “The BoT reaffirms that the PDP remains one indivisible, united and democratic family firmly committed to the ideals of Justice, Equity, and Progress the founding ethos of our great party.

“The BoT recognizes the authority of all legally constituted organs of the party and reiterates its confidence in the ongoing efforts to restore internal order, discipline, and constitutional adherence in line with the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on October 31, 2025.

“The BoT directs all organs and officers of the party to ensure full and immediate compliance with the said judgment. The Board commends the judiciary for its courage and professionalism in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, the INEC Guidelines, and the PDP Constitution, which remain the guiding instruments of our internal democracy”.

The BoT therefore, affirms its support for the conduct of a credible, transparent, and inclusive National Convention, provided all pre-convention processes strictly adhere to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, the INEC Guidelines, the Party’s Constitution, and the judicial pronouncement of the Federal High Court on October 31, 2025.

“Furthermore, the BoT reaffirms that the judgment of the Federal High Court remains superior and weightier in law than the interim order of the Oyo State High Court.

“In view of the fact that the Federal High Court judgment has been
appealed, prudence and respect for judicial processes demand that the proposed National Convention be postponed until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision”, the communique noted.

The communique explained, “The Board noted that the immediate past BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and Secretary, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, having publicly taken positions in the ongoing intra-party crisis, can no longer continue to serve in their previous capacities in order to preserve the neutrality, integrity, and moral authority of the BoT.

“Accordingly, the Board unanimously approved the election of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who, like Senator Adolphus Wabara, hails from the South. Hon. Isah Dansidi, who, like Senator Ahmed Makarfi hails from the North, as the Chairman and Secretary of the newly constituted Board of Trustees respectively.

“The meeting further expressed appreciation to the outgoing officers for their past services to the Party and wished them well in their future endeavours”.