The crisis rocking Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has escalated dramatically as the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has outrightly rejected the expulsion of its leaders from a controversial convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention, which proceeded despite a restraining order from a Federal High Court in Abuja, saw over 3,000 delegates gather to expel prominent figures including Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, and ex-National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih. The move was widely seen as an attempt by Governors Seyi Makinde and others to consolidate control over the party.
However, the legitimacy of the convention is shrouded in legal controversy. Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court had, in a ruling on a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, “ordered the PDP to suspend its national convention and restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from monitoring the same.” The judge directed that “the convention be put on hold for the plaintiff to obtain a nomination form, campaign and mobilise supporters.”
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In a conflicting order that created a constitutional crisis, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan permitted the convention to proceed, effectively splitting the party into two warring factions.
In a swift and defiant response, the Wike camp dismissed the expulsions as a laughable and illegal act. Abdulrahman Mohammed, the faction's Acting National Chairman, who was among those expelled, vowed to continue his duties. Speaking to The Punch, Mohammed stated, “What happened in Ibadan was not a convention. It was held in violation of a valid court order... It is laughable that people who violated court orders would, in that violation, announce the expulsion of party leaders like us.”
Echoing this sentiment, Timothy Osadolor, the incumbent Deputy National Youth Leader aligned with Wike, pointed out the procedural flaw, noting that “Out of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, only 17 states had their delegates accredited... 17 state chapters cannot conduct a valid convention for the PDP.” The faction has vowed not to recognize the expulsions, setting the stage for a prolonged and bitter legal and political battle for the soul of the opposition party.
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