2027: PDP govs dismiss rumour of merger talks

Governors elected under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have strongly dismissed rumours of plans to form a coalition with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum also outlined its strategy for internal party reforms, focusing on the creation of a Zoning and National Convention Committee for the upcoming convention in August 2025.

During a two-day meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, the PDP governors issued a communique clarifying that rather than pursuing a coalition with other parties, they were open to welcoming new members and groups interested in joining the party’s mission to take power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The communique, read by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala A. Mohammed, emphasized that the 2027 elections would see a contest between the APC and the rest of Nigeria.

The forum also expressed support for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary to serve as the acting National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive Secretary from the South East Zone at a future meeting. This decision comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment, which the forum took into account when reaffirming its position on the matter.

As part of its broader political strategy, the PDP governors reiterated their commitment to strengthening the country’s constitutional democracy, emphasizing the need for clarity from the Supreme Court regarding the declaration of states of emergency.

They also voiced concern over the escalating security challenges in various states, calling for a reevaluation of security strategies to ensure more effective governance at the local level.

In terms of party governance, the forum resolved to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025, followed by a convention in Kano on August 28, 29, and 30, 2025. They also proposed the formation of the Zoning and National Convention Committees, which were recommended for ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC) and NEC. The Zoning Committee will be led by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, with Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

The National Convention Committee will be headed by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Vice Chairman and Secretary.

In a related development, the forum reiterated its unwavering support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has faced political instability and a recent state of emergency declaration in his state. The PDP governors assured that they were united in their support for Fubara, expressing their commitment to helping him navigate through the political challenges in Rivers State.

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During a dinner event, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who hosted the forum, expressed confidence that the PDP would resolve its internal challenges and form the next government at the federal level in 2027. He described the upcoming election as a contest between the APC and the people of Nigeria, emphasizing the party’s readiness to lead the country towards better governance.

Governor Mohammed of Bauchi State, echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, highlighted the achievements of PDP governors in their states, underscoring the party’s potential to deliver good governance across the country. He noted the progress made in infrastructure and security, particularly in states like Zamfara, Osun, Plateau, and Bauchi, and reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to providing Nigerians with a government that would bring positive change.

The closing remarks were delivered by Oyo State’s Deputy Governor, Bayo-Lawal, who thanked all attendees for their participation in the significant meeting. The meeting was attended by notable PDP governors, including Bala A. Mohammed of Bauchi, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa, with others represented by their deputies. The National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Iliya Damagun, also attended the event.

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