The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has declared that the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his loyalists from the party is irreversible.
Turaki stated this during an interview on the Nigeria Right Now programme, hosted by Dickson Iregbu, insisting that the decision of the PDP’s highest organ, the National Convention, cannot be reversed.
He said that although Wike remains his personal friend, the former Rivers State governor is no longer a member of the PDP.
Turaki also disclosed that the party has set up a legal team to challenge the defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, saying the PDP would seek to reclaim their seats.
On the defection of the governors of Rivers and Osun states, the PDP chairman acknowledged their constitutional right to leave the party but questioned the moral basis of their decision, noting that the party had played a key role in their political rise.
Addressing the political crisis in Rivers State, Turaki accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the situation by allegedly using a serving minister to destabilise the PDP.
He expressed regret that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, later sought refuge in the APC, which he accused of instigating the crisis.
Despite the recent defections, Turaki maintained that the PDP remains strong, stressing that the party’s strength is rooted in the people rather than elected office holders.
He said the party has learnt from past mistakes and is repositioning to reconnect with its grassroots.
Turaki further disclosed that the PDP has approached the court to seek the reopening of its sealed national secretariat.
On the 2027 presidential election, the PDP chairman said the party has not taken a decision on its candidate but confirmed that he remains in contact with former President Goodluck Jonathan and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, adding that the choice of presidential flag bearer would be left to the people.
