By Ayomide Otitoju
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly dismissed speculations about forming a coalition or merging with any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that it will instead strengthen its platform to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision was part of a communiqué issued on Monday following the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The meeting was hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde and chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
“The Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, as a major opposition party, the PDP welcomes any party, persons, or groups willing to join its fold in the quest to wrest power from the APC and restore purposeful leadership in 2027,” the communiqué stated.
Governors in attendance included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and host governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo). Deputy Governors Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom) and Monday Onyeme (Delta) represented their respective states.
National Secretary Dispute and Legal Clarification
The Forum also addressed the lingering leadership dispute regarding the position of National Secretary. While affirming its previous stance taken in Asaba, the governors recommended that the Deputy National Secretary act in the position temporarily, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive secretary from the South East zone at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
In addition, the PDP governors reiterated their collective stance on safeguarding constitutional democracy, noting their decision to approach the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of legal provisions surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency in any state.
The Forum reaffirmed its solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, condemning the political tension and threats to governance in the state, and vowing to support him throughout the ordeal.
Security Crisis and Call for Strategic Reordering
Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in several parts of the country — including Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States — the Forum called for a comprehensive review of current strategies. It recommended a bottom-up security approach empowering sub-national governments to play a more active role in local defense and policing.
The governors specifically condemned the recent violent attacks in Plateau State and extended condolences to the families of victims and the state government.
NEC Meeting and National Convention Plans
In a bid to re-energize party structures, the Forum announced plans to hold a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025, followed by the party’s national convention scheduled for August 28–30 in Kano.
Ahead of the convention, the Forum proposed the constitution of Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC. The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa), with Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) as Secretary. The National Convention Committee will be led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), with Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun) as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu) as Secretary.
The Forum expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the meeting and reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing the PDP as a credible alternative to the ruling party.
