Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have firmly stated that the party will not enter into any coalitions or mergers with other political entities ahead of the 2027 general elections. This decision was made during a meeting in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where the governors also addressed the ongoing dispute over the position of National Secretary within the party.
The disagreement regarding the National Secretary position has been centered around Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Mr. Sunday Odeh-Okoye, both of whom are claiming the seat. The governors, however, rejected Anyanwu for the position, reaffirming their preference for the Deputy National Secretary to act in the role until a permanent replacement is nominated from the South East Zone and ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at its next meeting. The governors emphasized that while the party would not be joining any coalition or merger, it remains open to welcoming new members or groups interested in joining the PDP to help challenge for power and bring about good governance in the 2027 elections.
The PDP governors also expressed strong support for the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in light of the emergency rule imposed on the state. They condemned the declaration of emergency rule as a violation of constitutional democracy and pledged to stand by Governor Fubara throughout the legal and political turmoil he is facing. They are challenging the suspension and the emergency rule in court, requesting the Supreme Court to provide clarity on the legal framework surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency in any state.
In addition to these issues, the governors discussed plans for the PDP’s upcoming NEC meeting, scheduled for May 27, where the party’s zoning committee members will be ratified. The committee will be responsible for handling the zoning of party offices, with the convention set to take place in Kano, tentatively on August 28-30. Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has been nominated to chair the zoning committee, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State as vice-chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State as secretary. Similarly, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State is expected to lead the convention committee, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as vice-chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State serving as secretary. All of these nominations are subject to approval by the NEC and the National Working Committee (NWC).
The governors also voiced concerns about the worsening security situation across various parts of the country, particularly in states like Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo. They called for a reassessment of security priorities and strategies, urging the adoption of a more localized, bottom-up approach to address the challenges. Expressing their condolences over recent attacks in Plateau State, the governors condemned the violence and extended their sympathy to the victims and their families.
The meeting was hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Other governors in attendance included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Governors from Akwa Ibom and Delta states were represented by their deputies.