The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced it will not join any coalition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the party remains open to welcoming individuals, groups, or parties willing to join its ranks to strengthen its position as a major opposition force.
The forum distanced itself from ongoing coalition talks reportedly involving prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
This decision was made during the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, between Sunday and Monday.
The meeting, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, was chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also signed the communique released afterward.
The communique stated, “The PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons, or groups willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
Key Resolutions from the Meeting
The PDP Governors’ Forum recommended to the party leadership to hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025. The party’s national convention is scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, in Kano State.
The forum also announced the formation of committees to oversee zoning and the national convention.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State will chair the Zoning Committee, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State as Secretary.
The National Convention Committee will be led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, with Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as Secretary.
The forum reiterated its commitment to addressing zoning issues within the party to ensure equitable representation.
Security Concerns and State of Emergency
The governors frowned at the worsening security situation in parts of the country, including Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States. They called for a review of security strategies, emphasizing the need for a bottom-up approach that empowers local governments to act as the first line of defense.
In particular, it condemned recent attacks in Plateau State, offering condolences to the victims and their families.
In addition, the governors voiced their solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. They criticized the federal government’s decision, describing it as a threat to constitutional democracy.
In closing, the group thanked Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality during the meeting.
Text of The Meeting’s Communique
1. Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political 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 it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
2. 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 National Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone and NEC respectively at its next meeting.
3. 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 His Excellency, Sir 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.
4. The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country, especially Borno, Plateau, Katsina and Edo States. The Forum calls for review and reordering of priorities and strategies including adopting a bottom up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches. While raising the concerns above, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserate with the government and people of the state especially those who lost their lives and properties during this unfortunate mishap.
5. The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 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.
6. 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.
7. The Forum expressed its gratitude to the host Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the government and good people of Oyo state for their hospitality.
The Meeting Was Attended By:
1) H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor, Bauchi State & Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum
2) H.E. Ademola Adeleke, Osun State
3) H.E. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Adamawa State
4) H.E. Seyi Makinde, Oyo State
5) H.E. Douye Diri, Bayelsa State
6) H E. Dauda Lawal, Zamfara State
7) H.E. Agbu Kefas, Taraba State
8) H.E. Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor – Akwa Ibom State
9) H.E Barr Peter Mbah – Enugu State
10) H.E Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor – Delta State.
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