By Deborah Nnamdi
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has mocked his expulsion and that of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the development as an early “Detty December in November.”
In a statement on Saturday, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka said those behind the decision had travelled to Ibadan not for serious political deliberations, but to begin their festive-season celebrations ahead of schedule. He argued that any comments emerging from the event should be viewed as products of a social gathering rather than formal political pronouncements.
“They went to Ibadan to start their own Detty December in November. When people decide to start their Dirty December early, one can’t help but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths,” he said.
Olayinka further claimed that the group assembled mainly for social enjoyment, adding that after indulging in drinks, they were “free to say anything,” suggesting their remarks should not be taken seriously.
The PDP on Saturday expelled Wike, Fayose, factional National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and others for alleged anti-party activities. The motion for their expulsion was moved by party elder Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during the ongoing PDP National Convention in Ibadan.
Their removal came despite multiple court orders seeking to stop the convention, including one issued on Friday. Several prominent party figures had urged the Damagum-led leadership to comply with the court directives to avoid further deepening the party’s internal crisis.
