True to predictions by pundits and political gladiators, the prospects for the formation of a coalition party ahead of the 2027 elections to challenge the APC and wrest power from President Bola Tinubu dimmed on Monday. Ten governors on the PDP platform declined to participate in such a coalition. They, however, flung the party’s doors open for a merger with any political party willing to join forces with the PDP.

The APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje had last week predicted the unworkability of the coalition. He spoke during a meeting with the former President, Mohammadu Buhari, where he had gone to reassure him of his pre-eminence position in the party following speculations that some of the former President’s supporters were leaving the party to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) following Mallam El Rufai’s defection to the party.

Again, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki gave a damning verdict, saying the chances of the proposed coalition succeeding were “nil.” He premised his verdict on the reluctance of any of the PDP governors to shoulder the funding associated with such a giant venture. He observed that some of the governors would prefer to cut a deal with the president and his party rather than confront him.

At their meeting, which began this weekend in Ibadan, the PDP Governors Forum made other significant decisions. One of these is to hold an early convention, probably in August, and set up a convention committee. It also tentatively agreed that the NEC meeting should be held on May 27, 2025.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AFTER ITS 2025/4TH MEETING HELD IN IBADAN ON MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2025

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) held its 2025/4th Meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, and resolved the following;
1. Noting the nationwide speculations about a 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 wresting 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 judgement, the 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 to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of a 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, it will hold a NEC Meeting on May 27th, 2025, constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to the 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: 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: 7. The Forum expressed its gratitude to the host Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the government and the good people of Oyo State for their hospitality.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE:

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.

Signed:
H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor, Bauchi State & Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum,
April 15, 2025.