Oyo forum of LG chairmen backs expulsion of Wike, Fayose, others …hails emergence of Turaki as PDP national chairman

The Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State has supported the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade and seven other senior party leaders, citing their engagement in anti-party activities.

The forum also congratulated Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) on his election as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman.

Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, secured victory at the national convention held at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, where delegates from 17 states gathered to elect the party’s new National Working Committee.

In a statement jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Sikiru Sanda, and its Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Akintayo on Sunday, the Oyo LG chairmen urged Turaki to use his leadership to implement reforms that would restore internal democracy and curb impunity within the party.

The forum noted that the motion for expulsion moved by PDP founding father Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, was long overdue and would serve as a warning to members attempting to undermine party unity.

It argued that the PDP cannot accommodate individuals whose actions damage its unity and progress, adding that the recent conduct of Wike and his associates has fuelled internal discord and inadvertently aided efforts to weaken the party.

“Governor Wike has acted in a parasitic manner; while he achieved much using the PDP as a springboard, he now acts as an agent of the ruling party in destroying the platform that made him.”

“Thankfully, the PDP NWC at the National Convention has applied the necessary antidote to such parasitic elements,” the statement said.

The chairmen described the expulsions as a welcome development and a vital step towards restoring internal cohesion, strengthening party discipline, and positioning the PDP for electoral success.

“We call on the new National Chairman to hit the ground running and avoid distractors like former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, and their cohorts, who have consistently acted as a spanner in the wheel for the party, dragging it through needless crises aimed at keeping the non-performing Tinubu-led administration in power,” the statement read.

It acknowledged the weight of responsibility attached to Turaki’s new role but expressed confidence in the renewed direction of the PDP.

The forum described his election as a reflection of the resilience and commitment of PDP governors, stakeholders, and members across the country.

It urged him, together with his executive team, to restore the party’s glory and reach out to PDP members who have aligned with coalitions, joined other parties, or become disengaged, to encourage their return.

“The responsibility before Turaki is clear: with his new executive, he must work decisively to restore the party’s glory and strengthen its position nationwide,” the statement added.

The LG chairmen also commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of delegates during the convention, describing it as a positive sign of the party’s readiness for genuine reconciliation and restructuring.