The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken sweeping disciplinary actions against several high-ranking members, including three serving governors, former party leaders, and other top officials.
The decisions were reached during the committee’s 103rd meeting held on Tuesday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
Among those expelled are the Governors of Oyo, Bauchi, and Zamfara States — Seyi Makinde, Bala Mohammed, and Dauda Lawal — as well as former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja; and elder statesman Chief Bode George.
The NEC said the actions were prompted by “anti-party activities” and persistent disregard for court orders.
Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who submitted the memo recommending the expulsions, stated that the affected members repeatedly violated judicial directives and engaged in conduct that undermined the party’s integrity.
Reading the NEC communiqué, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu said the committee met to address issues threatening the unity and constitutional order of the party, noting that Nigerians expect the PDP to provide stability and leadership at a critical time.
According to the communiqué, NEC expressed concern over members who defied court orders by organizing and attending an “unauthorized convention,” an action the party said ignited confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and lawmakers.
The committee affirmed the party’s commitment to its constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, warning that it would no longer tolerate acts of impunity. It also authorized disciplinary procedures against several senior figures, including:
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.
NEC further directed expelled former National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, to refund all salaries and allowances received after his earlier expulsion in December 2024. The committee also ratified Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).
In a major restructuring move, NEC dissolved the State Executive Committees in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Ekiti and Bayelsa States, mandating the National Working Committee (NWC) to immediately set up caretaker committees and commence fresh congresses. The Edo State Exco led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, however, was affirmed.
The committee also approved that deputies in all now-vacant NWC positions immediately assume acting responsibilities. Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman’s appointment as Acting National Chairman was formally ratified.
NEC further instructed the party’s legal team to begin constitutional processes to reclaim the seats of elected officials who defected from the PDP, citing Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.
In a bid to stabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections, NEC approved a nationwide reconciliation effort and a comprehensive membership audit and revalidation exercise.
The communiqué assured party members that the decisions were necessary to restore order, discipline, and public confidence in the PDP. “The era of indiscipline is over,” NEC declared.
Earlier, in their opening remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman, urged members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the party would overcome its current challenges.
