Two governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State, have publicly distanced themselves from the decision of the party’s National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which ratified the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and nine other members of the party.
The two governors, in separate statements issued on Saturday, said they were not consulted and would not support any move that could deepen the crisis within the PDP.
Recall that at the PDP Elective National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, delegates ratified the expulsion of Wike alongside former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turner, Hon. Umar Bature, and others.
The motion for expulsion was moved by former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, who alleged that the affected members engaged in activities aimed at “destroying the party.” The decision was reportedly adopted by a majority of delegates at the convention.
However, the fallout from the announcement has exposed widening cracks within the party, with some key governors rejecting the decision and calling for restraint.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri said he “categorically dissociates” himself from the decision, describing it as counterproductive and not in the PDP’s best interest.
“I, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike, from the PDP,” Fintiri said in a personally signed statement.
“I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.”
Fintiri reaffirmed his commitment to party unity, urging leaders to prioritize reconciliation over punitive measures.
“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion.”
He added that his position was guided by the “desire for peace and reconciliation” and that he would continue to support all efforts aimed at stabilizing the PDP.
In a similar move, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also distanced himself from the expulsions, stating that the matter was never deliberated at the PDP Governors Forum or during any National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
A statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, clarified that Governor Mutfwang did not support the decision and viewed it as ill-timed.
“The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has formally distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; Samuel Anyanwu alongside other leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” the statement read.
“Governor Mutfwang clarified that this subject was neither discussed by the Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented. He emphasized that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter.”
Mutfwang further cautioned that expelling party leaders at such a critical time could derail efforts to resolve the PDP’s internal challenges.
“Expelling the party leaders at this crucial time is not a strategic step toward resolving the internal challenges currently confronting the PDP.
He reiterated the need for unity, dialogue, and collective effort in rebuilding and repositioning the party,” Bere added.
The statements by the Adamawa and Plateau governors mark a significant pushback against the Ibadan convention’s resolutions and reflect growing concern among PDP stakeholders over the party’s fragile unity.
Both governors have urged party leaders to embrace reconciliation and dialogue rather than further alienating key members, particularly as the PDP prepares for a series of state and national elections in the coming years.
