State Governors under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have ruled out any possibility of a merger or coalition with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. This resolution was part of key decisions taken at the 4th PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum declared that the PDP, as the leading opposition party, would remain independent but open to accommodating individuals or groups willing to align with its mission.
“The Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger,” the communiqué read. “However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
The governors also expressed concerns over what they described as attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democracy, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. They announced plans to approach the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of the constitutional provisions guiding such declarations.
“We are determined to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy,” the governors stated. “Hence, the decision to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the declaration of state of emergency in any state.”
They voiced their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, pledging to stand with him amid the political crisis affecting his administration.
On internal party matters, the Forum addressed the lingering issue of the National Secretary’s position. Citing a recent Supreme Court ruling, the governors agreed that the Deputy National Secretary should act in the interim.
“Pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive Secretary from the South East Zone by the NEC, the Deputy National Secretary will act,” the Forum said.
The governors also resolved to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025, and hold an early National Convention from August 28 to 30 in Kano.
To facilitate the preparations, the Forum nominated committee members for ratification by the NWC and NEC:
Zoning Committee: Bayelsa state Governor Douye Diri (Chairman), Zamfara state Governor Dauda Lawal (Vice Chairman), and Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Secretary).
National Convention Committee: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Chairman), Governor Ademola Adeleke (Vice Chairman), and Governor Peter Mbah (Secretary).
The Forum condemned recent violent attacks in Plateau State and lamented the broader security challenges facing parts of the country, especially in Borno, Katsina, and Edo states.
“The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country,” the governors said, calling for a “review and reordering of priorities, including adopting a bottom-up template that empowers sub-national governments to act as effective lines of defense.”
They extended condolences to the people of Plateau State and those affected by the attacks.
The Forum expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the meeting and offering warm hospitality.
Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Deputy Governors Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom) and Monday Onyeme (Delta).
The communiqué was signed by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.