PDP Crisis Deepens: Wike Camp Rejects Ikimi Panel’s Recommendation to Expel Anyanwu

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn as the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC), led by former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi, has recommended the expulsion of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a key ally of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The recommendation has sparked outrage from Wike’s camp, with party loyalists rejecting the decision and questioning its legitimacy.

Ikimi Panel’s Verdict and Allegations Against Anyanwu

In a letter dated March 10 and received by the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, on March 11, the Ikimi-led panel accused Anyanwu of engaging in anti-party activities. The panel, acting on a petition from the PDP Young Generation Caucus, found that Anyanwu had allegedly used security agents and thugs to disrupt party activities at the PDP National Headquarters in Abuja on January 29 and February 1, 2025.

The committee cited breaches of Article 58(1)(f) and Article 58(1)(h) of the PDP Constitution (2017), which prohibit actions that undermine party unity and disrupt lawful operations. Despite being summoned to defend himself on February 12 and March 4, Anyanwu reportedly failed to appear, citing medical reasons and an ongoing Supreme Court case. His repeated absence led the panel to proceed with the case and recommend his expulsion.

Wike’s Camp Dismisses Expulsion Recommendation

Wike’s loyalists have strongly opposed the panel’s decision, dismissing it as politically motivated and legally untenable. Speaking to reporters, Anyanwu rejected the recommendation, insisting that he was never given a fair hearing and that the panel had adjourned its proceedings until April 4, making the latest decision invalid.

“How can they expel me? That cannot stand. I have never heard from them. The last time they met, they adjourned to April 4. So wherever this one is coming from will not work,” Anyanwu stated in a phone interview.

Similarly, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, condemned the disciplinary panel’s actions, calling them prejudicial. He argued that there were other senior party members, including former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who had engaged in anti-party activities without facing expulsion. He suggested that the recommendation against Anyanwu was selective punishment and warned that it would not be upheld by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Legal and Political Fallout from the Expulsion Move by PDP

The controversy surrounding Anyanwu’s expulsion has further deepened the internal divisions within the PDP. Some party members believe that the NDC’s decision is an attempt to weaken Wike’s influence, particularly in the South-South region, where he remains a dominant force.

Legal experts and party stakeholders have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the disciplinary panel’s actions. Anyanwu’s argument that the matter is already before the Supreme Court has added another layer of complexity, with critics arguing that the NDC should have allowed the judiciary to rule before taking any disciplinary action.

Furthermore, the PDP’s internal crisis has escalated in recent months, with parallel factions claiming control over key positions. The ongoing dispute between Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye over the position of National Secretary has only intensified the leadership struggle, further damaging the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

PDP’s South-South Governors Move to Consolidate Control

As the power struggle within the PDP rages on, South-South governors are making strategic moves to assert control over the party’s structure in the region. A source within the party confirmed that governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) are set to attend the inauguration of the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee. Their presence signals a direct challenge to Wike’s influence and an endorsement of the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).

Despite Wike’s assertion that Dan Orbih’s election as National Vice Chairman for the South-South was legally conducted, the NWC has pushed forward with a fresh congress scheduled for April 12. The move has further fueled tensions, with Wike’s camp dismissing the NWC’s actions as illegitimate.

Orbih and Wike Allies Cry Foul

Wike’s loyalists, including Dan Orbih, have labeled the NWC’s actions as illegal, insisting that any moves to install a caretaker committee in the South-South would be in defiance of a pending court case. Speaking in a phone interview, Orbih warned that the party leadership’s actions could lead to further legal complications.

“I don’t want to join those people swimming in the pool of illegality. We have no business with them. The matter is before the Federal High Court; it is prejudicial for me to talk about it and for anyone to take any action. So, whoever is insisting on doing anything against the order of the Court will have himself or herself to blame,” Orbih stated.

With the PDP’s internal crisis showing no signs of abating, the party faces a difficult road ahead. The conflict between the Wike and Damagum factions could weaken the PDP’s prospects in future elections, leaving party loyalists and political analysts questioning whether reconciliation is possible or if the party is headed for further fragmentation.