…as BoT receives reconciliation committee report today
National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party may have begun moves to expel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and his supporters from the party.
It was gathered from reliable sources that top officials of the Umar Damagum-led PDP have reached a consensus that the time had come for the party to be rid of the menace constituted by Wike and his loyalists.
According to sources, if the reconciliation efforts being made by the Board of Trustees under its Chairman Adolphus Wabara fails, the party will have no other option but to expel Wike and his loyalists from the party.
The sources further cited Wike and his supporters recalcitrant disposition in the party, especially regarding the forthcoming national convention, which they are bent on truncating.
It was learnt that the only thing that can save the FCT Minister and his loyalists from being sent out of the main opposition party is if the Wabara BoT manage to succeed in reconciling the factions, which sources say is not likely.
The Wabara-led committee is expected to submit its report today. But if it’s efforts to reconcile the factions fail, decision to expel Wike and his loyalists will be taken at the Ibadan convention, sources said.
PDP chieftains pushing for Wike’s expulsion have also cited his open campaign for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027, a development frowned upon as unacceptable by the main opposition party.
Meanwhile Justice Akintola on Monday reaffirmed his earlier order permitting the PDP to proceed with its planned national convention, directing the party’s leadership to strictly adhere to the approved guidelines, timetable, and schedule of activities.
The judge gave the directive during Monday’s proceedings after hearing submissions from parties in the originating suit.
The court further instructed them to file all necessary processes to ensure the effective commencement of the case.
The judge then adjourned the matter until Wednesday for the hearing of all pending applications.
PDP member, Folahan Adelabi, who is the claimant in the suit, is seeking an order restraining the defendants, including the Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum; Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (for himself and members of the National Convention Organising Committee); and the Independent National Electoral Commission or their agents, from stopping or discontinuing the processes for the conduct of the national convention already scheduled for Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri, said since the court had confirmed the convention, it’s impossible for the Wike faction to stop it.
According to Tsauri, the PDP constitution is clear, adding that as law-abiding party members, they will always obey court rulings.
“When the Abuja court said we should stop, we obeyed. We continued preparations but had no intention of holding the convention until the court decided. Now, another court has given us the mandate to go ahead. Even though they are courts of the same jurisdiction, if one verdict comes today and another tomorrow, which one do you obey?” he asked.
The former PDP national secretary insisted that the Damagum-led NWC remains the party’s authentic leadership as recognised by the constitution.
Tsauri added, “Those who boast that nobody can touch them in this country have now seen that even top party officers can be suspended for anti-party activities. Their paymasters should take note; this is a signal of what is coming. The court has recognised no one except Damagum.
“The national convention will hold, new NWC members will be elected, and once we put our house in order, don’t be surprised that before the end of 2026, those who defected to the APC will begin to return.
“President Tinubu will realise it’s a waste of time and resources to stand for election against the PDP. He might even consider joining the PDP to contest.”
