● Kefas Akase
Ibadan – Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) have ruled out any possibility of the party joining a coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. The declaration comes amid growing speculation that opposition parties may join forces to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The resolution was made public in a communique issued at the end of the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting, which took place in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Monday, April 14. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss the party’s future direction and national political strategy.
Reading the communique, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the party remains committed to rebuilding Nigeria but will not pursue a merger. “The Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger,” Mohammed stated. “However, as a major opposition party, it welcomes any party, persons, or groups willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
He further stressed that the PDP is ready to work with likeminded individuals and political groups, but strictly on the condition that they are absorbed into the PDP structure. “We are not aligning for convenience; we are opening our doors to those who genuinely want to rescue Nigeria,” Mohammed added.
Addressing the issue of the vacant National Secretary position, the Forum took a stance following a recent Supreme Court ruling. It recommended that the Deputy National Secretary assume the role in an acting capacity, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive replacement from the South East region.
The governors also voiced serious concerns about the worsening state of insecurity in the country. They singled out Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau states as areas of grave concern. The Forum called for urgent reforms in the nation’s security architecture. “We advocate a bottom-up approach to security, allowing sub-national governments to actively participate in securing their jurisdictions,” the communique read.
On the unfolding political crisis in Rivers State, the Forum expressed strong support for the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “We stand in solidarity with Governor Fubara during this turbulent time and reject any move that threatens democratic order, including the call for a state of emergency,” said Governor Mohammed.
Looking ahead to the party’s internal arrangements, the Forum announced plans for a national meeting slated for May 27, 2025. During the meeting, a Zoning Committee will be constituted to lay the groundwork for the party’s national convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, in Kano.
The communique also revealed that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, will chair the Zoning Committee, while Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has been appointed as the head of the National Convention Committee. These steps are seen as key in organizing a strong, united PDP ahead of the crucial 2027 elections. GMTNewsng
