Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, April 14, 2025, where they firmly shut down any rumors about a potential merger with other political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
After their closed-door meeting, which marked the fourth of the year, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, spoke on behalf of the group. Reading the official communique, Mohammed stated clearly, “The Forum has resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.”
He noted that although the PDP has no intention of merging, the party remains open to individuals or parties who wish to join them to build a united opposition capable of taking over power in the upcoming election cycle.
The governors also addressed the nation’s growing insecurity. They noted with concern the rising number of violent incidents in several states, particularly Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau. The Forum urged the Federal Government to adopt a new approach to national security, one that gives state authorities greater control in managing local threats and protecting their people.
In the communique, the Forum also touched on internal party matters. It reaffirmed an earlier decision made in Asaba regarding the role of the National Secretary.
However, given recent developments, the governors now support having the Deputy Secretary take over in an acting capacity until a permanent replacement from the South East zone is chosen and approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The communique read in part, “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.
“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.
“The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone by INEC at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.
“The Forum restates its solidarity with the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.”
“The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.
“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows;
“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.”
