The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Samuel Anyanwu, its suspended National Secretary; and Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti.

Their expulsion was announced Saturday at the party’s national congress in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Others expelled include Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen, Mao Ohabunwa, Uwachukuwu, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Austin Nwachukwu and Abraham Amah.

Olabode George, former national vice-chairman of the party (south), moved the motion for the expulsion, while Samaila Buga, chairman of the PDP in Bauchi, seconded him.

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, put it to a voice vote.

The Wike led PDP faction had sought to halt the convention through the courts, but the party secured a high court judgement in Oyo allowing the event to proceed.

Ohabunwa, chairman of the board of trustees (BoT) of the Wike faction, said anyone going to Ibadan for the purpose of convention would just be going there to relax because the exercise would not be recognised by law.

He mocked the opposing faction, calling the event a “party” and advising participants to “have fun” in Ibadan.According to Ohabunwa, Anyanwu had circulated a circular informing members of the congress’s postponement.”We met as the PDP’s national executive committee and reviewed our activities. We agreed to abide by all court rulings regarding the Ibadan congress. Therefore, we will not be attending,” he said.

“Ibadan is a public place; one can go there for any reason except for a convention. Anyone who goes there in the name of a convention should consider it a simple celebration.”

“We will not tolerate a blatant violation of the Constitution by certain individuals in the name of a convention,” he added.Mohammed Abdulrahman, the faction’s acting national chairman, also urged delegates not to attend the convention and to wait for the appropriate time.

“Our priority is to advance the PDP; therefore, all delegates from across the country should refrain from attending the Ibadan convention,” Abdulrahman said.

Abdulrahman added that he would continue mobilizing members in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen PDP unity.Wike, for his part, commended party members for their defense of the PDP in their respective regions and assured them of his support.

“I am pleased by your interest in the party in your respective regions. I will continue to support you; I will not betray you,” he declared. He emphasized that his side would always defend the rule of law and would not yield to any intimidation.