The internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensified on Tuesday as the faction led by Kabiru Turaki, SAN, and aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, moved to formalize the expulsion of several high-profile party members. At a briefing held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, Turaki announced that his bloc had issued expulsion certificates to eleven individuals earlier removed by the party’s national convention in Ibadan.
Turaki explained that the certificates serve a legal and procedural purpose, affirming the decisions of the convention—which remains the party’s highest decision-making body—and preventing complications that may arise under Nigerian law regarding dual party membership. He emphasized that each certificate had already been dispatched to the affected individuals through courier services, ensuring both transparency and formal notification.
Among the recipients are prominent figures including Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade (SAN), Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Nnanna, George Turna, and Chief Dan Orbih. Turaki urged INEC, the police, and other security agencies to take note that these individuals no longer hold PDP membership status.
Addressing questions regarding Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his recent political posture, Turaki stated that any Nigerian, including a sitting governor, retains the constitutional right to freedom of association. He clarified that if Adeleke chooses to step away from the party or decline participation in its processes, that decision must be respected and will be documented accordingly.
Turaki also disclosed that the party’s National Working Committee had reviewed the conduct of the ongoing processes in Osun State, including congresses for selecting ad hoc delegates and the governorship primary. According to him, the reports indicated that activities were orderly, transparent and in line with democratic standards, with no major disruptions or irregularities reported.
On legal matters, Turaki noted that the party is pursuing cases related to the alleged unlawful closure of its offices, including Legacy House and Wadata Plaza. He expressed confidence in the party’s legal position and stated that the courts would soon address the issues at stake. The new NWC, he added, is thoroughly examining the handover notes from the previous administration to ensure continuity and avoid operational gaps.
Turaki also used the occasion to criticize the current Federal Government, arguing that Nigeria’s security situation has deteriorated to the point where citizens no longer feel safe in public spaces, workplaces, farms or even in their homes. He described the rising cases of kidnappings and violent crimes as evidence of systemic failure and called for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture. He highlighted the contradiction in designating governors as chief security officers without granting them operational control over security agencies operating within their states.
