The decision follows speculation about a potential alliance after a December meeting between PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi in Abuja
PDP Governors Reject Coalition, Merger Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ibadan, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has firmly ruled out joining any political coalition or merging with other parties before the 2027 general elections.
The announcement came from the forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, following a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
In a communique read by Mr. Mohammed, the PDP governors emphasized their commitment to maintaining the party’s independence while welcoming individuals, groups, or associations willing to join the PDP to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The decision follows speculation about a potential alliance after a December meeting between PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi in Abuja. The two were seen sharing breakfast, prompting rumors of a coalition.
Earlier, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, had hinted at discussions among Atiku, Obi, and New Nigeria People’s Party’s Rabiu Kwankwaso to form a united front against the APC. In the 2023 election, President Bola Tinubu of the APC won with 8.79 million votes, while Atiku and Obi secured 6.98 million and 6.10 million votes, respectively, surpassing Tinubu’s total when combined.
The governors also addressed internal party matters, reaffirming their support for the acting national secretary, as decided in Asaba, Delta State, pending the appointment of a substantive secretary from the South-east zone at the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The NEC meeting is scheduled for May 27, with the party’s convention set for August 20-30 in Kano, where zoning committees will be formed to resolve leadership issues.
Expressing solidarity with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid a declared state of emergency, the forum vowed to seek Supreme Court clarification on the legal provisions for such declarations. The governors condemned rising insecurity in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States, urging a overhaul of security strategies and offering condolences for recent losses in Plateau.
PDP governors at the meeting included 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). Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno were represented by their deputies, Monday Onyeme and Akon Eyakenyi, respectively. Read More
