The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, PDPGF, has ruled out the possibility of a merger with other political parties to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general elections.
This was one of the major resolutions by the governors at the end of their two-day meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital which ended on Monday. The Forum insisted that it would not join any coalition or group in its bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and uproot the APC.
Bauchi State Governor, and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, reading the meeting’s seven-paragraph communique, reiterated that the forum was aware of nationwide speculations about merging with other parties, groups and/or associations to contest the election, stated emphatically that “the Forum resolved that the party will not join any coalition or merger.”
He was however quick to add that “The PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join with a view to wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
Present at the meeting were Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and the host governor, Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) were represented by their deputies.
The communique read:
“The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgement, 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 at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of constitutional democracy hence the decision to approach Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of provisions of the court on the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers state.”
On the plight of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara who was absent at the meeting, Governor Muhammed he affirmed the party’s support for him.
The communique said: “The Forum restates its solidarity with Sir Siminalayi Fubara on the ordeal into which his state and people are being subjected to by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate commitment to stand with him till the end.”
Addressing the worsening security situation in the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, and Edo States, Mohammed said: “The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country” and called for a “review and reorientation of priorities and strategies,” emphasising the need for a bottom-up approach to effectively tackle security breaches.”
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Mohammed said the unimpressive governance by the APC would give victory to the opposition party in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking at a gala night in honour of the visiting governors at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, Mohammed stressed that the pains Nigerians were going through under APC leadership and the good governance that PDP governors give in their states would deliver victory to them in the general election.
Mohammed said: “We are working hard to ensure that we leave the society better than we have found it and that is why we are making a difference. By 2027 by the grace of God, we shall take over the rein of leadership in this country, because Nigerians have learned, and they know what it is about.”
Reiterating their support for Fubara whose Rivers State is under emergency rule, Governor Mohammed noted that PDP governors were solidly behind him.
“Even in Rivers State where we had hiccups recently, we want to assure you that all the governors of the PDP are united behind Fubara to ensure he comes back and continues his good work,” Senator Mohammed stated.