The forum of governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have declared that the party will not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The forum stated this in a communique issued on Monday at the end their meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state.
The forum also lamented the alarming worsening security situation in Nigeria as evidenced in parts of the country, especially in Borno, Katsina, Plateau, Benue and Edo states.
The communique which was read by the chairman of the forum and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, declared that the “The Forum has resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.”
The forum maintained that the PDP, as a major opposition party, will welcome any party, persons or groups that are willing to join the party with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
The communique reads, “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.
“However, the PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
“The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone by INEC at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.
“The Forum restates its solidarity with the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency.
“And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.”
The governors lanented the worsening security crisis across Nigeria, citing recent attacks in Borno, Katsina, Edo, Benue and Plateau states.
The communique called for a revised national security strategy that empowers state governments to form an effective line of defence.
The communique said, “The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.
“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows;
“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.”
The meeting was attended the National Chairman of the PDP, Elia Damagum, Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Umar Fintiri of Adamawa, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Agbu Cephas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, represented by his deputy and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, represented by his deputy.
