Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) unanimously agreed yesterday to refrain from joining any coalition or merger as the 2027 elections draw near.
The PDP Governors’ Forum convened in Ibadan, Oyo State, with notable attendance from governors including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa. The governors of Delta and Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno, were represented by their deputies.
In a communiqué delivered by the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the forum acknowledged the “nationwide speculations about possible mergers of parties, groups, and/or associations” and firmly stated that “the Forum will not join any coalition or merger.”
Furthermore, the forum affirmed that “the PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any parties, persons, or groups that are willing to join the party with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
The governors reiterated their stance on the party’s national secretary, asserting, “The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba regarding the National Secretary of the party.” They proposed that the deputy secretary temporarily assume the role of national secretary “pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive secretary from the Southeast zone at its next meeting.”
The communiqué also conveyed solidarity with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, emphasising, “We restate our commitment to stand with him until the end amid the challenges posed by the declaration of a state of emergency in his state.”
Addressing the escalating security crisis in the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States, the forum expressed alarm, stating, “The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country.” The PDP governors called for a “review and reorientation of priorities and strategies,” stressing the necessity for a bottom-up approach to effectively address security breaches.
In response to recent attacks in Plateau State, the governors condemned the violence and extended their condolences, stating, “We extend our condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.”
Looking ahead, the PDP Governors’ Forum announced plans for a meeting on May 27, 2025, to establish a zoning committee. This committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri, with Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. “This committee will address party office allocations ahead of the convention scheduled for August 28-30, 2025, in Kano.”
Finally, the forum expressed its gratitude to the host governor, Seyi Makinde, stating, “The Forum expresses its gratitude to the host Governor, the government, and the good people of Oyo State for their hospitality.”
