The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated dramatically after a faction loyal to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde issued formal expulsion certificates to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and nine other party leaders, accusing them of anti-party activities.
The expulsions mark one of the most severe disciplinary actions taken by any PDP bloc in recent years, signalling an intense struggle for control ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
Why Wike Was Targeted
The Makinde-aligned faction accused Wike of:
- open fraternisation with the APC
- destabilising PDP structures in multiple states
- “serial disobedience” of party decisions
- undermining the Presidential Campaign Council in 2023
- attempting to build a cross-party power group loyal to himself
Wike, currently serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has repeatedly insisted he remains a committed PDP member, despite working in an APC-led administration.
Fayose, others also named in sweeping purge
Among those expelled alongside Fayose and Wike are senior party figures from the South-West and South-South, accused of coordinating with rival presidential tendencies.
The certificates issued by the Makinde bloc cited “breaches of the PDP constitution, anti-party involvement, and collaboration with opposition structures.”
Party insiders say the move is the opening salvo in a larger battle between:
- the Makinde bloc,
- the Atiku camp, and
- the Wike-Ikpeazu-Ortom axis,
all fighting for dominance of the PDP’s national platform.
PDP National Working Committee yet to respond
The National Working Committee (NWC) has not officially endorsed or rejected the expulsions, fuelling speculation that the action is both political signalling and a challenge to the party’s central leadership.
Analysts say the silence reflects deep fractures within the top ranks.
2026 Elections: PDP Facing Major Realignments
The expulsions come at a time when states like Rivers, Oyo, Plateau, Benue, Sokoto and Edo are experiencing shifting alliances.
Political analysts warn the party may be heading towards:
- factional presidential primaries
- a full split of the G5 legacy bloc
- state-level defections
- weakened national cohesion
The Makinde bloc’s aggressive posture suggests it intends to lead a reshaping of the PDP’s national architecture.
Wike Camp Fires Back
Sources close to Wike dismissed the expulsions as “invalid and laughable,” saying Makinde and his allies lack constitutional authority to remove national-level members.
One senior Wike aide told IDNN:
“Makinde cannot expel Wike.
He does not have the legal structure or moral weight to do so.
This is politics, not law.”
Makinde’s Silence: Strategic or Tactical?
Governor Makinde has not personally commented, fueling speculation that:
- he is using political surrogates,
- the expulsions are a “trial balloon,”
- or he is testing the waters ahead of a broader national move.
Insiders say Makinde aims to shape PDP’s future direction by asserting regional authority and countering Wike’s influence.
Uncertain future for the party
As the crisis widens, questions arise about:
- the party’s 2026 governorship strategies
- the viability of a united presidential ticket
- potential defections to the APC
- a possible third-force emergence
With the APC consolidating federal power, PDP’s internal turmoil could further reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.