Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has openly rejected the decision to expel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, made his position clear on Saturday during the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Fintiri stated that he had no hand in the expulsion move and insisted that such action does not serve the interest of the party at this critical time. His reaction followed the announcement earlier in the day that Wike, along with some other top members of the party, had been expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
In a personal statement, Governor Fintiri said he was committed to peace, unity, and reconciliation within the PDP and would not support any move that could worsen the party’s internal crisis. “I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the PDP,” he said. “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.”
Nyesom Wike, a former Rivers State governor and now Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, has been one of the most controversial figures within the PDP in recent years. His open disagreements with the party leadership, especially during and after the 2023 general elections, created deep divisions within the PDP.
Wike led the influential G-5 group of governors who opposed the presidential candidate of the party in 2023, insisting that power must shift to the South. Many within the PDP accused him of undermining the party’s chances and working closely with the APC, especially after he accepted President Bola Tinubu’s appointment as FCT Minister.
These actions have fuelled calls for disciplinary measures, with some party leaders insisting that removing him was necessary to restore party discipline and rebuild the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Fintiri, however, argued that taking harsh actions against Wike and others would only deepen the cracks within the party. He stressed that reconciliation remained the only sustainable path forward.
“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP,” he said. “I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration. Peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.”
He urged all leaders and members to put aside personal grievances and work together to rebuild the PDP’s strength. According to him, the party cannot afford further divisions as it prepares for major political engagements, including governorship elections in some states and the 2027 general elections.
“I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion,” he added. “As a party man, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability, and progress within the PDP.”
The Ibadan convention was expected to be a turning point for the party, with delegates electing new national officers and setting strategies for the future. However, the expulsion announcement and Fintiri’s strong response highlighted the deep internal tensions still troubling the party.
Party insiders say the disagreement over Wike’s fate shows that the PDP remains far from united. While some leaders believe strict disciplinary action is necessary to consolidate the party, others fear it may push influential members away and weaken the party ahead of 2027.
Fintiri’s public rejection of the expulsion could encourage more leaders who prefer a reconciliatory approach to speak up. It may also force the party to revisit the expulsion decision or open new discussions on how to handle internal disputes.
Governor Fintiri ended his statement by reaffirming his commitment to peace and reconciliation, stressing that his stand was motivated by a desire to keep the party strong and united. “My position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation,” he said. “I will continue to work towards achieving this goal.”
The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether the party will pursue discipline or dialogue, and whether it can close ranks before the political battles of 2027 begin.
