The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has distanced itself from ongoing moves to form a coalition of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rising from its 2025 fourth meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Forum said it would not enter into any merger or alliance but remains open to individuals or groups willing to join the PDP to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This decision comes following speculation over a proposed opposition alliance involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, emphasized that the PDP would maintain its identity while working to reclaim power through internal unity and strategic repositioning.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the governors also declared support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the political turmoil in his state following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency. They described the move as an assault on constitutional democracy and vowed to seek legal clarity from the Supreme Court on the scope of the president’s powers regarding emergency rule.
On the party’s internal affairs, the governors resolved to recognize Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive secretary from the South-East zone by the National Executive Committee (NEC). This comes in the wake of unresolved issues regarding the authentic occupant of the position.
The Forum also raised alarm over escalating insecurity in parts of Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo states, calling for a total overhaul of the country’s security architecture. The governors advocated for a bottom-up strategy that allows state governments to play more active roles in protecting their citizens. They also condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State and expressed sympathy with affected communities.
Consequently, the governors set May 27, 2025, as the date for the NEC meeting, where key decisions on zoning will be made. The Forum also announced that the party’s national convention would be held in Kano between August 28 and 30, a move seen as an early effort to set the tone for the 2027 elections.
Committee leadership for both the zoning and national convention was unveiled. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa will chair the zoning committee, with Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal as vice chairman, while Plateau State’s Governor Caleb Mutfwang will serve as secretary.
The National Convention Committee will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, with Osun’s Ademola Adeleke as vice chair and Enugu’s Peter Mbah as secretary.
