Olayiwola Matthew
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang have distanced themselves from the expulsion of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fintiri, in a post on his X handle on Saturday night, dissociated himself from the decision taken at the party’s national convention in Ibadan. He stressed that the move did not reflect his views and was not in the best interest of the PDP.
The Adamawa governor described himself as a loyal and committed member of the party who would not support actions capable of deepening internal divisions.
According to him, attempts to sideline key stakeholders at a time the PDP is still struggling with internal disagreements could undermine efforts toward rebuilding and reconciliation. He insisted that what the party needs at this moment is unity, not punitive measures that may worsen the crisis.
“I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP. I will not be party to anything that could lead to its disintegration,” Fintiri wrote.
He urged PDP leaders to prioritise healing, dialogue, and collective progress, saying only reconciliation can restore the party’s strength ahead of future political engagements.
Similarly, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang rejected the decision to expel Wike and other party leaders.
In a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang said the matter was neither discussed by the PDP Governors’ Forum nor by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The statement read: “The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, 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; and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, alongside other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
According to the Plateau governor, expelling key stakeholders at such a critical time does not address the party’s internal challenges.
Wike, the PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, and several others were expelled on Saturday night at the PDP convention in Ibadan.
Others expelled include Umar Bature, Ajibade Kamarudeen, Mao Ohabunwa, Uwachukwu, George Turner, Dan Orbih, Mohammed Abdulrahman, Austin Nwachukwu, and Abraham Amah.
The motion for their expulsion was moved by Olabode George, former National Vice-Chairman (South) of the PDP, and seconded by Samaila Buga, chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State.
Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, subsequently put the motion to a voice vote, through which the expulsions were affirmed.