Expulsion Of Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu Long Overdue – Says PDP BoT Member

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Fasiu Bakene, has backed the expulsion of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; and the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, describing the action as necessary to restore discipline.

He accused the expelled leaders of undermining the very party that elevated them to political prominence.

“It’s long overdue. Their utterances, actions, and constant breach of the PDP constitution over the years ought to have been checked. They have demonstrated their skill to kill the same party that made them somebody in the political space,” Bakene said in Abeokuta on Tuesday, November 18, while reacting to the aftermath of the party’s national convention and the growing tension within the PDP.

According to him, the expelled members “enjoyed demarketing the party,” adding that their removal would help restore confidence and order within the PDP.

“Rather than for them to honourably defect to the party of their choice, they prefer claiming to belong to the PDP, yet they shamelessly campaign for the success of another party,” he added.

Bakene expressed confidence that all internal disputes rocking the party will soon be resolved, despite the wave of defections that has recently hit its ranks.

Bakene, a former Ogun State lawmaker and party chieftain, stated that the internal disagreements are not unique to the PDP and can be resolved amicably, especially with the emergence of the new national chairman.

“With the emergence of the new National Chairman, all rifts shall soon be resolved, notwithstanding the gale of defections,” he said.

Speaking on the party’s national convention, Bakene commended the organising committee for what he described as a well-coordinated event that attracted a large turnout of delegates and reaffirmed the party’s internal strength.

“The convention was peaceful and recorded a large turnout of delegates. It equally affirmed the supremacy of party leadership and structure. Members of NEC, BOT, and NWC were in attendance,” he said.

He praised all sub-committees, including transportation, venues, protocol, accommodation, publicity, and logistics, for a “perfect job.”

Bakene hailed the emergence of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, as PDP national chairman, describing him as an experienced administrator capable of steering the party toward victory in 2027.

“Emergence of Turaki is a step towards a sound victory for our party, PDP. He has abundant administrative and political experience to deliver the party. His performances as minister will then come to bear. Surely, he will paddle the ship to success,” he said.

Bakene expressed optimism that the PDP, despite its current turbulence, would regain stability and reassert itself as a formidable opposition force ahead of the next general election.