By Chika Eze, Abuja
The Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ratified the expulsion of Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
Others are former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN); Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; Chief Bode George; and several others over alleged anti-party activities.
The NEC also approved the dissolution of the State Executive Committees in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. The Edo State Exco, led by Barrister Nosa Ogieva, was, however, affirmed.
These decisions were taken at the PDP faction’s NEC meeting held on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The factional Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo recommending the expulsions, said the affected party leaders flagrantly disregarded court judgments, thereby bringing the party into disrepute.
National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, read the communiqué of the NEC meeting, which stated in part:
“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 concern over the actions of certain members who allegedly violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending what it described as an “unauthorized convention,” an action the party says triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and lawmakers across the country.
The committee noted that the PDP derives its legitimacy from adherence to its Constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.
NEC subsequently approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following party stalwarts:
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.
It also resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024.
The NEC directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately constitute caretaker committees in the affected states and commence fresh congresses.
It further instructed deputies in all now-vacant NWC positions to assume the roles of acting substantive officers.
NEC formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as Acting National Chairman.
In addition, the committee mandated its legal team to begin constitutional action to recover seats from 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 nationwide reconciliation process and membership audit ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that reconciliation efforts must not undermine party discipline.
The committee assured party members that the decisions were taken to stabilise, strengthen, and restore confidence in the PDP.
Earlier, in their opening remarks, the faction’s BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, urged members to remain steadfast, expressing optimism that the PDP would overcome its internal challenges.