Count Us Out Of Merger, Coalition – PDP Governors

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has stated that the party is not willing to participate in any coalition or merger, despite growing controversy regarding merger and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Forum’s conference in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, closed on Monday with the resolution.

Following the meeting, which lasted approximately six hours behind closed doors, the Chairman of the Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who read the communique, clarified that the PDP is still open to welcoming individuals, parties, and groups dedicated to rescuing Nigeria and promoting good governance.

“The Forum decided that the PDP would not join any alliance or merger. However, as a significant opposition party, it welcomes any party, individuals, or groups ready to join it in order to seize power and establish excellent leadership in 2027,” the communiqué stated.

In response to the recent Supreme Court decision on the national secretary position, the Forum proposed that the deputy national secretary fill the role until a substantive secretary from the South East geographical zone be nominated and ratified.

The Forum voiced concern about the recent surge in insecurity in sections of the country, particularly in Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau states.

The group advocated for a reassessment and reform of the country’s security architecture, suggesting a bottom-up strategy that would allow subnational governments to play a more active role in protecting their territory.

The Forum also expressed sympathy with Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers State, in the midst of the state’s present political turmoil and the proclamation of an emergency.

The Forum announced plans to conduct a national assembly on May 27, 2025, to form a Zoning Committee ahead of the party’s national convention, which is set for August 28 to 30, 2025, in Kano.

The statement also identified members of the Zoning and National Convention Committees, with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri serving as Chairman of the Zoning Committee and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri leading the National Convention Committee.