2027: PDP Govs shut door on merger talks, open to collaboration with willing parties
...Fubara absent as Peter Mbah, Agbu Kefas, others meet in Ibadan
...Makinde, Mohammed reaffirm PDP’s 2027 ambition
...Govs urge bottom-up defence strategy over insecurity in Nigeria
...Reorganises for 2027, says other parties should fix their problems
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has firmly ruled out any possibility of merging with other political parties. This is as the Forum affirmed that the PDP remains open to collaboration with individuals, groups, or parties that are prepared to work towards securing responsible governance across Nigeria.
The two-day summit, which brought together all twelve PDP governors, excluding Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was convened in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, with the objective of reinforcing party unity and laying the groundwork for a strategic path to electoral victory in 2027.
Governor Fubara’s absence was notable as his counterparts gathered at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, to address pressing national and internal party issues. Present were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and host governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), among others.
At the conclusion of the deliberations, a communiqué was issued and read by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed.
“Amid widespread speculation regarding possible mergers involving political parties, associations, or groups, the Forum has resolved unequivocally that the PDP will not participate in any such coalition,” the communiqué stated.
“Nonetheless, as a leading opposition force, the PDP welcomes any party, individual, or collective willing to align with it in the broader effort to secure power and establish effective leadership by 2027.”
In further developments, the Forum disclosed that, in partnership with the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) has been scheduled for 27 May 2025.
The party’s early national convention has also been slated to take place in Kano from 28 to 30 August 2025, in a bid to allow ample time for internal coordination ahead of the elections.
To facilitate preparations, the governors unveiled the formation of two critical committees. The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Governors Dauda Lawal and Caleb Mutfwang serving as Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively. Meanwhile, the National Convention Committee will be led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Enugu’s Peter Mbah as Secretary.
Addressing the unresolved issue of the PDP National Secretary, the Forum reaffirmed its previous resolution that the position must remain within the South-East geopolitical zone. It was agreed that the Deputy National Secretary will continue to function in an acting capacity until a substantive replacement is nominated and confirmed from the region.
The Governors also reaffirmed their support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been at the centre of a political crisis following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Forum remains resolute in its commitment to prevent any distortion of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. Accordingly, we have resolved to seek judicial clarification from the Supreme Court regarding the legal framework governing the declaration of a state of emergency in any part of the federation,” the communiqué continued.
The Forum underscored its solidarity with Governor Fubara, pledging to stand by him “till the end.”
The governors also voiced grave concern over the escalating insecurity in various parts of the country, citing renewed violence in Plateau, Borno, Katsina, and Edo States. They condemned the latest spate of killings in Plateau and called for a “bottom-up security strategy” that empowers sub-national governments to respond effectively to threats within their jurisdictions.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in his closing remarks during a gala event at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre, expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects, noting that the party is well on its way to overcoming internal challenges.
“If some say our party is facing one problem or another, the presence and unity of all the party organs gathered here tonight is a clear indication of unwavering commitment to our collective cause,” Makinde said.
“By the grace of God, this is the party that will form Nigeria’s next federal government in 2027.”
Echoing the sentiment, Senator Bala Mohammed added,”This meeting continues our tradition of engagement, assessment, and peer review among PDP-led states. It reflects our shared vision and the unity of purpose that drives us toward reclaiming national leadership.”