The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has declared its firm stance against any form of merger or coalition with other political entities, setting its sights firmly on the 2027 general elections. 

This was a key resolution reached at their 2025/4th meeting held in Ibadan on Monday.

Addressing the speculations surrounding potential political alignments, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, stated unequivocally. “The PDP will not join any coalition or merger.” 

However, in a show of open arms to potential allies, he added, “The PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”

The governors also addressed the leadership vacuum at the national secretariat, following a recent Supreme Court judgement. 

They recommended that the current Deputy National Secretary step into the acting role pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive National Secretary from the South East zone by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

In a move signalling their commitment to constitutional order, the PDP governors resolved to approach the highest court in the land for a “clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of a state of emergency in any state”. 

This decision underscores their concern over the recent political developments in Rivers State.

The Forum expressed unwavering solidarity with the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, over the declaration of a state of emergency in his state.

They reiterated their commitment to stand by him “till the end”, condemning the situation as an “ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged.”

Security remained a top concern for the governors, who expressed alarm at the “worsening security situation in the country”, particularly highlighting the challenges in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States. 

They called for a “review and reordering of priorities and strategies”, advocating for a “bottom-up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.”

The Forum also condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State and offered their condolences to the affected people and government.

Looking ahead to party activities, the PDPGF resolved to hold an NEC meeting on May 27, 2025. Crucially, they agreed to constitute a Zoning Committee to handle the sensitive issue of party office distribution and to hold an early National Convention in Kano from August 28th to 30th, 2025.

To facilitate these processes, the Forum recommended the following individuals to lead the key committees, pending ratification by the NWC and NEC: Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as Chairman of the Zoning Committee, with Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau as Vice Chairman and Secretary, respectively. 

For the National Convention Committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State was nominated as Chairman, with Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Peter Mbah of Enugu as Vice Chairman and Secretary.

The governors present at the meeting extended their gratitude to the host governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and the people of the state for their hospitality.

In attendance were Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Deputy Governors Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Sir Monday Onyeme (Delta).