Governors under the aegis of Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) have ruled out their interest in joining the former Vice President Atiku Atiku Abubakar’s coalition movement.
The governors, who disclosed this in a communiqué issued after their meeting in Ibadan on Monday, expressed that the party will not participate in any coalition or merger talks.
Reading the communiqué, Chairman of the forum, who is also the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, emphasized that PDP is open to welcoming individuals, groups, or parties that share its vision to wrestle power and enthrone good leadership in the country.
The meeting put to bed, speculation surrounding possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. It also provided the governors the opportunity to deliberate on critical issues affecting the party and the nation.
Reiterating its previous stance taken during the Asaba meeting, the Forum, in the communiqué, maintained its commitment to ensuring that the position of National Secretary remains in the South East zone.
In light of the recent Supreme Court judgment, the Forum recommended that the Deputy National Secretary temporarily assume the role in an acting capacity until a substantive Secretary is nominated and ratified.
The Forum also took a strong position on the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, expressing its solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
It described the federal action as an ordeal being imposed on the people of the state and vowed to support Governor Fubara throughout the crisis.
To safeguard democratic principles, the governors announced plans to approach the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of constitutional provisions regarding the declaration of states of emergency.
The PDP Governors equally expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, particularly in Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau States.
The Forum called for a strategic overhaul, advocating for a “bottom-up” approach that empowers sub-national entities to become frontline defenders in combating insecurity.
The Forum condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, offering condolences to affected families and communities.
In preparation for the party’s future, the Forum resolved to hold a PDP Stakeholders Meeting on May 27, 2025, and to convene the party’s National Convention in Kano on August 28–30, 2025.
To facilitate this, it announced the formation of two key committees: the zoning and national Convention committee.
While the Zoning Committee has Chaired by Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa), with Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) as Vice Chairman, Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) will serve as Secretary.
The National Convention Committee is to be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) as Chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun) as Vice Chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu) as Secretary.
The Forum concluded by extending heartfelt appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for their warm hospitality during the meeting.
Present at the meeting are Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), the host, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
Others include Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa). Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Gov Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) were represented by their deputies.
The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara was absent at the meeting.
