2027: PDP Governors Reject Coalition or Merger Move

The Governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have emphatically rejected any proposals for a merger or coalition with other political parties in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This resolution was made during a meeting held on Monday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF), in a statement signed by its Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, stated that the governors had unanimously agreed not to participate in any coalition or merger arrangements with other political parties, groups, or associations in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Despite this, the governors expressed that PDP, as a major political party, remains open to forming alliances with individuals, parties, or groups who share the same goal of defeating the ruling party and promoting good governance in the upcoming election.

During the meeting, the governors also raised serious concerns about the rising levels of insecurity across the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States. They called for an urgent review of national security priorities, proposing a shift towards a bottom-up approach that empowers regional and local authorities to play a more active role in combating security threats.

The governors condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, offering condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost their loved ones or property. They called for stronger and more effective measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Regarding the issue of the national secretary of the party, the PDP governors reiterated their earlier stance from a meeting in Asaba, Delta State. They called for the Deputy National Secretary to assume the role of National Secretary on an interim basis, pending the nomination and ratification of a new substantive secretary from the South-East Zone during the party’s next meeting.

On the controversial state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, the PDP governors reaffirmed their commitment to protecting constitutional democracy. They announced plans to approach the Supreme Court for clarity on the legal interpretation of the emergency rule in the state. The governors also reiterated their support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressing solidarity with him and the people of Rivers in the face of the state’s ongoing challenges.

The Forum also proposed the formation of several key committees in anticipation of future party activities, including the zoning and national convention committees. Among the recommendations was the nomination of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State as Chairman of the zoning committee, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State as Secretary. Additionally, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State was proposed as the Chairman of the National Convention Committee, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Secretary.

The PDP governors concluded their meeting by expressing their gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their warm hospitality during the event.