Dare Babalola
Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has publicly dissociated himself from the Peoples Democratic Party’s decision to expel key members, including Nyesom Wike and others, stressing the importance of maintaining party unity and peace.
At its ongoing convention in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, the party expelled Wike, Samuel Anyanwu, its suspended national secretary, and Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti.
Others removed from the party include Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen, Mao Ohabunwa, Uwachukuwu, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Austin Nwachukwu and Abraham Amah.
The expulsion motion was moved by former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Bode George, and seconded by Bauchi PDP Chairman, Samaila Buga.
Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, put the motion to a voice vote.
It was overwhelmingly endorsed by the delegates, signalling the party’s intent to tackle internal dissent and anti-party behaviour.
Reacting to the development in a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday, Fintiri described the expulsion as contrary to the PDP’s best interests and warned that the move could deepen the party’s ongoing crises.
The governor stressed that the decision was not in the party’s interest and reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP’s stability.
He wrote, “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.
“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.
“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.”
Fintiri urged party stakeholders to prioritise reconciliation and work towards healing divisions, stressing the need for unity and cohesion within the party.
He added, “I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion. As a party man, I am committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability and progress within the PDP.
“Let me reiterate that my position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal.”
