PDP Governors reject coalition ahead of 2027 election, pledge solidarity with Fubara

By Adejayan Gbenga

Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday unanimously resolved not to join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), held in Ibadan and communicated through a communiqué issued by the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.

The communiqué also expressed solidarity with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, following the declaration of a state of emergency and his suspension as governor.

It stated: “The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the National Secretary of the party. However, in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, the Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy National Secretary act as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive Secretary from the South East Zone by the NEC at its next meeting.”

The Forum further affirmed its commitment to defending constitutional democracy, saying: “We reassert our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy, hence our decision to approach the Supreme Court for a clear verdict on the interpretation of the law regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in any state.”

The governors also raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation across the country, particularly in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States. “The Forum calls for a review and reordering of priorities and strategies, including the adoption of a bottom-up template that allows sub-national governments to play an active role in preventing security breaches. We also condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State and commiserate with the government and people, especially those who lost loved ones and property in the unfortunate incidents.”

The Forum resolved to work with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party to convene a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025. It also plans to constitute a Zoning Committee to address issues relating to the zoning of party offices and to hold an early National Convention in Kano from August 28 to 30, 2025.

While commending the host governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality, the Forum also recommended the composition of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC. The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri, with Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. The National Convention Committee will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.