Two governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have openly rejected the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the party.
Their reactions came only hours after the PDP announced the expulsion of the former Rivers governor and ten others at its national convention in Ibadan.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State issued separate statements on Saturday, distancing themselves from the decision adopted on the convention floor.
Both governors warned that the move could worsen the internal troubles already tearing the party apart.
Governor Fintiri Distances Himself From Decision
Governor Fintiri, who chaired the convention committee, said the action was not taken in the interest of the party and insisted he would not associate himself with it.
He made his position public in a message shared on X.
“I, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, wishes to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from PDP. 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,” he said.
He explained that his stance was driven by the need to keep the party stable and united.
According to him, reconciliation remains the only realistic option for the PDP at this time.
“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 believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.”
The convention also removed Ayodele Fayose, former party National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and several others over alleged anti-party activities.
Fintiri, however, did not comment on their cases.
The party insists the action followed provisions of its constitution, which grants the National Convention final authority on disciplinary issues.
The Adamawa governor restated his commitment to any effort that promotes harmony and progress within the PDP.
Governor Mutfwang Rejects the Move
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also voiced his displeasure.
He said the expulsion of Wike and other party leaders was not discussed at the PDP Governors’ Forum or at the National Executive Committee, NEC, before it was pushed at the convention.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Gyang Bere, the governor said the move did not reflect his position.
“The Executive Governor of Plateau State…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).
In a press statement, Governor Mutfwang clarified that this subject was neither discussed by Governors Forum nor at NEC before the motion was presented.
He emphasised that the proposal does not reflect his position on the matter,” the statement read.
He added that sending party leaders away at a time the PDP is battling division would only worsen matters.
Mutfwang maintained that unity and dialogue are still the most effective path for the party.
At the Ibadan convention, party leaders loyal to the National Chairman, Umar Damagun, backed the motion to expel Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, and others.
The convention also removed Mohammed Abdulrahman, the factional chairman linked to Wike’s camp.
Several of the expelled members are expected to challenge the decision in court.
This comes as the convention itself was conducted despite two separate court orders seeking to halt the exercise.