Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have unanimously resolved not to partake in any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This decision was made during the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
The high-level gathering was attended by prominent PDP governors, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi (who also serves as the forum’s Chairman), 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. Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom were represented by their deputies.
Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed addressed recent national discourse on potential political realignments. He said the governors took note of the “nationwide speculations about possible mergers of parties, groups, and/or associations” and resolved that “the Forum will not join any coalition or merger.”
While ruling out participation in mergers, the governors reaffirmed the PDP’s openness to welcoming new entrants. “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 communiqué stated.
The forum also revisited the matter of the party’s National Secretary, reinforcing its earlier stance. “The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba regarding the National Secretary of the party,” the governors said.
To maintain stability within the party’s leadership, they recommended that the deputy national secretary temporarily step in. “Pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive secretary from the Southeast zone at its next meeting,” the communiqué noted, “the deputy secretary shall act in the interim.”
In a show of internal solidarity, the forum extended its support to the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who has faced intense political pressure amid rising tensions and rumours of federal intervention in the state. “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,” the forum affirmed.
The worsening security crisis across the country also came under scrutiny. Expressing deep concern, the governors stated, “The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country,” citing the deteriorating conditions in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States.
They called on the federal government to rethink its security strategy. “We recommend a review and reorientation of priorities and strategies,” the communiqué urged, “emphasising the need for a bottom-up approach to tackle security breaches effectively.”
The forum also reacted to the recent wave of violence in Plateau State. “We extend our condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost lives and property during this unfortunate mishap,” they said.
Looking ahead to party administration and planning, the PDP Governors’ Forum announced the constitution of a zoning committee to deliberate on the allocation of party offices in preparation for the upcoming PDP National Convention.
“This committee will address party office allocations ahead of the convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, in Kano,” the forum announced. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa will serve as Chairman of the committee, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara as Vice Chairman, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau as Secretary.
In conclusion, the forum extended its appreciation to its host. “The Forum expresses its gratitude to the host Governor, the government, and the good people of Oyo State for their hospitality,” the communiqué read.
