₦airaland Forum

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party escalated on Saturday following the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and 10 other high-ranking leaders over alleged anti-party activities.

The decision was taken at the PDP’s 20th National Convention at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Those also expelled include a former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade; and Austin Nwachukwu.

Others are the factional chairman of the party, Mohammed Abdulrahman; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; Austine Nwachukwu; Abraham Amah; George Turner; and Chief Dan Orbih.

A motion for the expulsion was moved by the former National Vice Chairman of the party (South), Chief Olabode George, and seconded by the Bauchi PDP Chairman, Samaila Burga, before its eventual adoption by the party’s delegates.

At the convention, the delegates also unanimously confirmed Umaru Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

The convention sparked divisions among the governors loyal to Damagum, as two of them—Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, who chaired the National Organising Committee of the convention, and the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang—dissociated themselves from Wike’s expulsion.

The battle before convention

The PDP has been engulfed in crises in recent months, with factions loyal to Wike and Damagum clashing over control of the party’s structure.

This culminated in a bitter confrontation before the convention.

Ahead of the convention, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking justice after being denied the opportunity to purchase the PDP national chairmanship nomination form.

On Friday, Justice Peter Lifu ordered the party to suspend the convention.

He also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission from supervising, monitoring, or recognising any convention conducted by the PDP that did not include Lamido as a contestant.

Justice Lifu held that evidence before the court showed that Lamido had been denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.

Recall that on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Justice Lifu delivered a similar ruling restraining the PDP from holding the convention, which was intended to elect new national officers to lead the party.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jephthah Njikonye, SAN, had filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to halt the convention pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff’s application had merit and consequently restrained the PDP from convening the event until the substantive matter before the court was resolved.

He noted that there was no reason to depart from an earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the same court on October 31, 2025, which similarly halted the convention.

However, in a conflicting order, the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on November 3 permitted the PDP to proceed with the convention.

Justice Ladiran Akintola, ruling on an ex parte application filed by an Oyo PDP member, Mr Folahan Adelabi, directed INEC to attend and monitor the convention for the election of new national officers.

The Damagum camp went ahead with the programme, claiming no knowledge of Justice Lifu’s Friday order.

Wike, others expelled over anti-party activities— PDP

Announcing the expulsion of Wike and other high-profile members via X on Saturday, the PDP said the decision was ratified by the majority of delegates at the convention.

The party explained that the move underscored its commitment to eradicating internal divisions and anti-party conduct that have hindered its progress.

Citing Articles 10(6) and 58(1)(b), (c), (f), (i), (j), (l), as well as 59(1)(g) of its 2017 Constitution (as amended), the PDP argued that the National Convention remains supreme in all matters relating to the party, including issues of discipline involving its officers and members.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH after the announcement, the South-West PDP Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, said the expulsion was long overdue.

“Wike and others were suspended for anti-party activities,” Ajisafe said.

“They wanted to destroy the party, and we cannot allow that to happen.”

He, however, clarified that Lamido was not included in the expulsion despite his series of court moves to stop the convention.

“Lamido isn’t in Wike’s category. He is a respected PDP leader,” Ajisafe stated.

“He is just angry that he wasn’t allowed to purchase the nomination form to contest the PDP chairmanship, as he showed interest after the closure of the timeframe for such. We will resolve issues with him.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, dismissed the convention as mere drama.

Olayinka, via X, argued that no one should take the organisers seriously.

“They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November. When people decide to start their own dirty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths,” he wrote.

“They gathered in Ibadan to do social party, enjoyed themselves and got intoxicated. They are free to say anything.”

Governors revolt against Wike’s expulsion

Governor Fintiri dissociated himself from Wike’s expulsion.

Fintiri, while delivering his speech at the convention ground, said the absence of INEC officials at the event also necessitated his withdrawal from the exercise.

“With the absence of INEC and the various litigations for and against this convention, it is not within my prerogative to continue with this exercise. I leave the convention delegates to decide,” Fintiri said.

The Adamawa governor further clarified his position in a statement shared on his verified X handle (@AhmaduUmaruFintiri).

The Adamawa governor further clarified his position in a statement shared on his verified X handle (@AhmaduUmaruFintiri).

He described Wike’s expulsion as an action against the interest of the party and warned that it could plunge the PDP into an unending crisis.

Fintiri urged party members to work towards unity and the reconciliation of aggrieved members.

Bandits have attacked communities in Mashegu local government area of Niger State, killing about 16 vigilante members and abducting 42 residents.

The attacks, according to a source, took place between Sunday, November 9 and Thursday, November 13, 2025, leaving several communities deserted as people fled to other communities for their safety.

According to him, “The bandits first stormed Dutsen Magaji village on Sunday and abducted 22 people.”

“When they came on Sunday, the vigilantes went after them and engaged them in a gun battle; in the process, three vigilantes were killed and five people are currently in the hospital.”

He further explained that the attackers returned at dawn on Thursday, November 13, invading Magama village during early morning prayers, stressing that they surrounded the mosque while people were praying and abducted more than 20 people.

He stated that some vigilantes followed them, not knowing the bandits had laid an ambush, pointing out that the bandits opened fire and 13 vigilantes were killed, and several others were injured.

In a statement, the Press Secretary to the chairman of Mashegu LGA, Isah Ibrahim Bokuta, confirmed the killings, describing the fallen vigilantes as heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of their communities,

Bokuta stated that the local government appreciated their bravery and selfless commitment to keeping the area safe.

The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, when contacted, assured.

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will overcome its current economic challenges.

The President made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE Conference.

According to him, poverty would not define Nigeria’s future.

“We may be poor; poverty is not going to be our milestone. We are going to come out of it,” he said.

Tinubu further stated that, although the reforms his administration had undertaken were challenging, they were designed to place Nigeria’s economy on a strong and enduring footing.

He maintained that every stakeholder, especially the media, has a role to play in improving the country.

bejeria101:
The chief accountant alagbado Pablo Escobar and the builder of lagos state still has drug charges that he ran away from.

When we vote the clown out, you are free to come pick him.

Thunderfayamods:
Delulu read to comprehend! I am not a Muslim neither did my comment implies that Christians are not be killed. What about the Muslim woman that was killed in Anambra?

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his government was engaging with the world diplomatically following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against terror groups in Nigeria over the alleged mass killing of Christians.

This was a coalition of northern elders that rejected calls by some U.S. right-wing lawmakers to ban Sharia law in the country.

"We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” Tinubu said at Thursday’s meeting held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, the first since July.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria remains on a steady growth trajectory, with more promise of stability and prosperity as economic reforms continue to yield results and gain national and international acceptance.

On the current state of the economy and the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, President Tinubu assured, “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with partners.

The success of the $2.3bn eurobond that was oversubscribed by 400 per cent is the most assuring. So, the task ahead is immense; we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.”

"The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria,” he further stated.

Tinubu’s remarks come just days after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against terror groups in Nigeria over the alleged mass killing of Christians.

Trump, in a post on his social media platform on Friday, announced that he was labelling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Hours later, he said he had instructed congressional Republicans to “immediately look into this matter” and report back to him.

On Saturday, Trump said he had ordered the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria over the country’s alleged killing of Christians.

Speaking on Thursday, Tinubu called Ministers and other officials to ensure consistency in communication and avoid discordant messaging.

Nigeria calm, not in panic mode—FG

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who addressed State House correspondents after the Council meeting, said the Federal Government was calm and would not panic over Trump’s threats.

Idris said the government had opened formal diplomatic channels with the U.S. to address the matter.

He also clarified that Nigeria is responding responsibly and strategically, in line with its constitutional obligation to protect all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.

“But there is no panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country, also taking into account the concerns both from within and outside this country of what the situation in this,” Idris told journalists at the Aso Rock Villa.

Responding to whether the U.S. position is affecting governance at home, the Information Minister said discussions have commenced with American officials through appropriate diplomatic channels.

He[b] insisted that Nigeria prefers a diplomatic resolution rather than escalating rhetoric.

“Have we had any discussions with the U.S.? Yes. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation be solved diplomatically,” he said.

"Let me say that the government of Nigeria is really very stable.

"The President is calm. Like we have said, he’s calm. The Federal Executive Council members are indeed very calm.[/b]

“That is not to discountenance the issue. We are not saying that,” he noted.

Idris insisted the Tinubu administration is not indifferent to the challenges.

"Are there security issues in the country? Yes. Are lives being lost? Yes. But is the government responding? Absolutely,” he said, adding, “We are confronting these problems with responsibility and balance.”

The Minister reiterated that Nigeria remains a pluralistic society where freedom of religion is constitutionally protected.

"But let me say for the umpteenth time, Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion. So whatever you practice, whatever is your faith, our Constitution guarantees that you are free to practice that. The Nigerian government will continue to impress on the security agencies to maintain law and order wherever they are. We’re also going to do more so that whatever concerns there are, the government of Nigeria will take care of those concerns,” he said.

The Tinubu administration, he said, remains open to partnerships with the international community and regional actors in tackling terrorism and extremist violence, which he noted are not unique to Nigeria.

NothingDoMe:
You tried at least to get a conspiracy website that doesn't have any shred of evidence. 20/100

I think i have to make my question stand out clearly because I don't think you undertand.

The question is HOW and not WHY.

HOW did the USA pack the minerals from the countries they entered? How did they intend to pack the resources from Iran?

Again, you may phone a friend.

NothingDoMe:
"Affirmanti non neganti incumbit probatio"

He who alleges must prove. You made an accusation without a single shred of evidence to back it up.

I should dig up your nonexistent evidence for you? 🤡

NB: I suspect we'll soon switch to tribal warfare when you can't defend your allegations.

NothingDoMe:
I thought so.

No single evidence of resources being stolen yet unashamed to relentlessly spew fabricated propaganda.

NothingDoMe:
You didn't answer my question. All the counties that US entered to fight terrorist, how did they pack the minerals from those countries?

You can phone a friend.

obama30:
This news is fake, they released the new to make it look as if they also kill Muslims. The killers are Muslims so even if they kills entire Muslims northerners it doesn't concern Trump, all he wants is don't kill Christians, as for your fellow Muslim killing you thats your religion enjoy the benefit.

NothingDoMe:
He will now pack the oil and lithium abi? How much did he pack from Iran after striking the country?

zeuss:
All the points u raised are non relevant did Igbo tell u IPOB is killing them? Igbo have said many times that their killers are not IPOB,,,Your narratives remains your own and sways nobody especially not trump, truth remains what it is,,

Nwaikpe:
I dont argue with isslamists

Oga rest.

Isslamizm will never win. It will always lose.

Go and verify.

Nwaikpe:
Oga rest.

Isslamizm will never win. It will always loose.

Go and verify.

zeuss:
Division? Muslims killing Christians, Muslim/Muslim presidency , a section ganging up to tople the government, the SE being marginalized, Igbo being frustrated with policies and their properties being demolished is not remotely an indicator of a united country

Minjim:
This FG is a fool. They usually do thing that don't favour the nation . What's our biz with Palestine? Every country is taken decisions in their nations interest , what do we stand to gain by being the Western world enemy. Russia cant do jack for itself let alone Nigeria

agentakins:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YsbZsW4RD/

Nwaikpe:
Now watch them waste themselves so as to prove a point about their main attrocities to the Christians in the North.

zeuss:
Even yesterday innocent Nigerian were killed in their sleep,..... Nigeria is soaked with the blood and cries of it citizens, we must welcome help in whatever guise and cost to save life, innocent helpless victims are overjoyed and ecstatic with the news of Trump coming to their rescue
On this Trumps deserves that Nobel prize

iwaeda:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/3-killed-as-bandits-launch-fresh-attacks-on-kano-border-communities/amp/

Nigerian petroleum products marketers have announced a reduction of premium motor spirit prices, starting from today, Tuesday.

This comes as the economy shuts down today owing to the public holiday declared by the federal government to honour ex-president Muhammadu Buhari.

The national president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, disclosed this to DAILY POST in an interview on Monday.

According to him, the decision to cut the petrol price comes after members of IPMAN held a meeting in Abuja on Monday in response to Dangote Refinery’s ex-depot price drop to N820 per litre from N840.

Maigandi noted that most of its members have agreed to review their retail price of petrol downward from Tuesday.

Specifically, Maigandi said IPMAN members in Abuja will, from Tuesday, dispense petrol between N900 and N920 per litre, down from N905 and N945.

"We met on Tuesday and agreed to reduce petrol price to between N900 and N920 per litre for our members in Abuja, north central.

“Similarly, our members in some other parts of the country will be selling below around N860 and N890 per litre.

“Nigerians are happy because there has been a reduction in the price of fuel in the past weeks,” he told DAILY POST on Monday.

The development coincides with a public holiday declared by the federal government to honour Buhari, who will receive a statewide burial on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State, following his death in London on Sunday, July 14th, 2025.

IPMAN had earlier hinted at a fuel price reduction last week.

Recall that Dangote Refinery barely a week ago had announced a reduction in its fuel ex-depot pump price to N820 from N840 per litre.

DAILY POST reports the 650,000-barrel-per-day has reduced fuel prices two times in July alone.

Petrol marketers have attributed the petrol price reduction by Africa’s largest refinery to the gains of liberalizing the downstream sector.

The reduction comes amid falling global crude oil prices, which stood at $69.10 and $66.98 per barrel for Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude futures as of the time of filing the report on Monday, from above $70.