The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has ruled out any possibility of merging with other political parties, even as it opened its doors to individuals and groups interested in joining the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This was among several key resolutions reached at the Forum’s 4th meeting of 2025, held on Monday, April 14, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The communique, signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, outlined the PDP’s plans to reposition itself as a strong and united opposition party ahead of future polls.
Addressing widespread speculation over possible political mergers, the Forum clarified its position. It stated that while the PDP would not participate in any coalition or merger arrangement, it remains open to welcoming individuals, groups, or parties interested in joining the party’s mission to “wrestle power and enthrone good leadership in 2027.”
This comes amid ongoing debates among political observers and parties about realignments ahead of the next general elections.
The governors also discussed leadership matters within the party. Following the recent Supreme Court ruling and referencing an earlier position taken in Asaba, the Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy National Secretary step in as Acting National Secretary of the PDP.
This arrangement will remain in place pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive Secretary from the South East zone, in line with the party’s zoning formula and National Executive Committee (NEC) approval.
In a move to protect Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, the PDP governors announced that they are approaching the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of the law regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in any state.
This legal move, they say, is to prevent any abuse of power by the federal government and ensure due process is followed. The Forum also expressed solidarity with Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, condemning what they described as the unjustified ordeal faced by his administration in the wake of a threatened state of emergency.
“We reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end,” the communique read.
Raising alarm over the deteriorating security situation in several states—including Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo—the Forum called on the federal government to urgently review its current strategies.
It recommended a “bottom-up” approach that empowers sub-national governments to be actively involved in local defence and security coordination. The Forum specifically condemned the recent violent attacks in Plateau State, commiserating with families who lost loved ones and property.
In a major move to stabilise and strengthen the PDP’s internal structures, the governors announced plans to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025. This meeting is expected to address key party issues and set the stage for the party’s National Convention, which will be held on August 28–30, 2025, in Kano.
The Forum resolved to work with the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure a smooth and inclusive process, including the formation of a Zoning Committee to guide the allocation of party offices.
The Forum proposed the constitution of the following committees, subject to ratification by the NWC and NEC:
– Zoning Committee:
– Gov. Douye Diri (Bayelsa) – Chairman
– Gov. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) – Vice Chairman
– Gov. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) – Secretary
– National Convention Committee:
– Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa) – Chairman
– Gov. Ademola Adeleke (Osun) – Vice Chairman
– Gov. Peter Mbah (Enugu) – Secretary
These committees will be responsible for ensuring that the zoning arrangements and overall conduct of the convention reflect the PDP’s principles of inclusion, equity, and justice.
The Forum closed by expressing deep appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the people of the state for hosting the meeting and providing warm hospitality.
1. Senator Bala Mohammed – Governor, Bauchi (Chairman)
2. Senator Ademola Adeleke – Governor, Osun
3. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – Governor, Adamawa
4. Seyi Makinde – Governor, Oyo
5. Douye Diri – Governor, Bayelsa
6. Dauda Lawal – Governor, Zamfara
7. Agbu Kefas– Governor, Taraba
8. Barr. Peter Mbah – Governor, Enugu
9. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi – Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom
10. Sir Monday Onyeme – Deputy Governor, Delta
As the PDP prepares for a decisive year ahead, these resolutions signal the party’s intent to remain unified and focused, especially amid growing political tensions and insecurity across the country.
