Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have firmly dismissed speculations of a possible merger with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This decision was made public on Monday during the 4th meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum for 2025, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who read the communique at the end of the meeting, declared that the PDP remains committed to standing as a strong, independent political force in Nigeria’s democratic space.
“The Forum has resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger,” he stated. “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.”
Amid increasing insecurity nationwide, the Forum expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety conditions in various parts of the country, notably in Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau States. The governors called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need to empower state governments to become effective partners in national security.
They decried recent violent incidents and urged the federal government to act swiftly. “The security situation in the country is worsening by the day,” the communique read. “There is a need for a revised national security strategy that gives states greater autonomy and tools to respond effectively to emerging threats.”
Touching on internal party matters, the governors reaffirmed their position on the party’s National Secretary, maintaining that the Deputy Secretary should act in that capacity until a substantive Secretary is nominated from the South East and ratified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to political turmoil in Rivers State, the Forum reiterated its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid the crisis triggered by the federal government’s alleged consideration of a state of emergency in the state. “We restate our solidarity with Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State. We will stand with him till the end,” the statement affirmed.
Looking ahead to the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections, the Forum resolved to collaborate with the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025. A zoning committee has also been constituted to guide the allocation of party offices, followed by an early national convention slated for August 28 to 30 in Kano.
The zoning committee will be chaired by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, with Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. For the National Convention Committee, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri will serve as Chairman, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.
The Forum extended its appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for hosting the meeting.
Present at the Ibadan meeting were PDP National Chairman Elia Damagum, Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Umar Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Cephas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom, represented by his deputy), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta, represented by his deputy, Sir Omodes), and the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Wasiu Adeleke, among others.