Ibadan: The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum has declared that the party will not join or merge with any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Chairman of the forum, Gov. Muhammed Bala of Bauchi State, stated this at the end of its meeting, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bala, while reading the group’s communique after the meeting, emphasized that the PDP governors resolved that the party would not join any coalition or merger. He noted that the PDP, as a major opposition party, would welcome any party, association, or group willing to join it, with the objective of wresting power and establishing good leadership in 2027.
Bala, who was accompanied by other PDP governors during the communique reading, also stated that the forum reaffirmed its stance taken in Asaba regarding the national secretary of the party. He mentioned that following the Supreme Court judgment, the forum resolved to recommend the Publicity Secretary of the party to act as the national secretary until the nomination and ratification of a substantive national secretary from the South East Zone by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at its next meeting.
The chairman further stated that the forum reasserted its collective determination to approach the Supreme Court for a clear verdict on the interpretation of the provision of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state of the federation. The forum expressed solidarity with His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, regarding the challenges faced by him and his people due to the declaration of State of Emergency, and reiterated their commitment to stand with him.
The forum also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in some parts of the country, especially in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States. Bala disclosed that the forum called for a review and reordering of priorities and strategies of security agencies to ensure improved security across the country. The forum extended condolences to the people of Plateau over the recent loss of lives in the state.
The chairman of the forum additionally announced that the NEC meeting of the party would take place on May 27, having coordinated with the National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party. He explained that zoning committees would be formed during the May 27 meeting to address issues related to the running of the party offices. The PDP Governors’ Forum chairman also mentioned that the party’s convention would be held on August 20, precisely on the 20th, 29th, and 30th in the city of Kano.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that present at the meeting were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu); Agbu Kefas (Taraba); Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa); and Douye Diri (Bayelsa). Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) were represented by their deputies, Monday Onyeme and Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, respectively.