The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated sharply on Tuesday as the factional National Executive Committee (NEC) aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike ratified the expulsion of three serving governors and several senior party figures.

Those expelled include Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara. Also removed were former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) Senator Adolphus Wabara, former National Vice Chairman Olabode George, and recently elected National Chairman Kabiru Turaki, SAN.

The decision follows last Saturday’s controversial national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and his loyalists were themselves expelled by the opposing faction. The lingering dispute culminated in tense scenes at the PDP national secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Tuesday, as both factions arrived for parallel NEC and BoT meetings.

At its Abuja meeting, the Wike-backed NEC also dissolved the state executive councils in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti States. It ordered the formation of caretaker committees and the conduct of fresh congresses in the affected states.

A communiqué read by National Secretary Senator Sam Anyanwu accused the expelled leaders of violating Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the party constitution, citing anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and actions allegedly bringing the party into disrepute.

The NEC further approved disciplinary proceedings against several additional high-profile members, including Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, and former Akwa Ibom governor Udom Emmanuel, among others.

With both factions insisting on control of the party’s structures, the PDP remains locked in a deepening leadership battle that shows no sign of resolution.