‘I’m Still In PDP,’ Wike Dismisses Expulsion By Party

By Tgnews Reporter

In a bold rebuff to deepening factional strife, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike declared on Friday that he remains a steadfast member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissing as “baseless” his expulsion by a rival faction led by acting National Chairman Kabiru Turaki.

The former Rivers State governor’s assertion came amid fresh defections in his home state, underscoring the PDP’s precarious unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike’s comments followed Turaki’s faction issuing “expulsion certificates” to him, ex-Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose, and nine other prominent figures, citing anti-party activities and gross misconduct to “sanitize” the party.

The decision, ratified at a PDP National Convention in Ibadan, targets Wike’s alleged role in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration despite his PDP affiliation.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting the ongoing interchange bridge linking Gwarinpa to Jahi, Katampe, Gishiri, and Maitama in Abuja, Wike waved off the move.

“I’m still in the PDP. So those who have remained, we’ll continue to work together,” he said, urging the party’s leadership to “put your house in order” to avoid self-inflicted losses. He emphasized collaboration with loyalists to bolster PDP as a “relevant opposition,” insisting the faction’s actions only expose their own drift from core principles.

The drama intensified with the defection of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers—loyal to Wike from PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Speaker Martins Amaewhule. Citing irreconcilable PDP divisions, Amaewhule pledged alignment with Tinubu’s “well-meaning” reforms.

Wike called the switch “unfortunate” but affirmed their right to choose, noting not all 27 PDP lawmakers defected. “I am still in the PDP and it is not everybody that has left,” he clarified.

This latest rift traces back to PDP’s 2022 primaries, where Wike’s presidential bid clashed with Atiku Abubakar’s victory, fueling enduring bad blood.