…As Governors Muftwang and Fintiri Disown Expulsion Move, Call for Peace
Political analysts have described what happened at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Ibadan as a hijack of the convention from its dogged chairman Rt Hon Ahmadu Fintiri the Adamawa State governor. Senator Bala Mohammed and party chieftain Chief Bode George hijacked proceedings during the party’s national convention, sidelining the Convention Chairman and Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and other key leaders.
According to insider accounts, the confusion began when Chief Bode George suddenly moved a crucial motion on the convention floor—one that many delegates insist was not part of the approved agenda and was never discussed with the Convention Planning Committee. The motion was promptly seconded by the Bauchi State PDP Chairman, raising suspicion of prior coordination.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State reportedly championed the motion with unusual confidence, presenting it in a manner that indicated a pre-arranged strategy. The move allegedly blindsided Governor Fintiri, who chaired the entire convention and had invested significant effort to ensure its success.
Party sources described the situation as a “total betrayal”, revealing how Governor Fintiri appeared shocked and unaware as the motion unfolded. Some governors, including Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Muftwang, were similarly kept in the dark. Observers say the incident exposed deepening internal fractures and raised questions about the sincerity of some party leaders.
In the aftermath of the crisis, Governor Muftwang publicly distanced himself from the attempt to expel key party figures—Barr. Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and others—which many believe was linked to the rushed motion orchestrated on the convention floor.
“The move to expel them was not discussed at the PDP Governors’ Forum or presented to the NEC,” Muftwang stated. “At this crucial moment for our party, pursuing expulsions is neither prudent nor constructive. Our strength lies in dialogue, inclusiveness, and collective engagement—not further division.”
Adding to the growing pushback, Convention Chairman Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri expressed deep frustration and disappointment, firmly dissociating himself from the expulsion agenda.
“I wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the PDP,” Fintiri said. “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.”
Fintiri emphasized his commitment to party unity:
“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. Peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party.”
He appealed to party stakeholders to focus on healing:
“I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion. My position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal.”
With public opposition from both Fintiri and Muftwang—two key figures in the PDP Governors’ Forum—the controversial convention move has sparked concerns about transparency, internal democracy, and the direction of the party ahead of future elections.
The PDP leadership is expected to address the growing unrest and provide clarity in the coming days as calls for reconciliation gather momentum.
HOW BALA MOHAMMED AND BODE GEORGE HIJACKED PDP CONVENTION FROM FINTIRI
