PDP Governors Shut Door on Merger Talks,Set Convention Date

IBADAN – The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has unequivocally dismissed any possibility of engaging in ongoing discussions about a nationwide political merger. The governors affirmed their unwavering commitment to the PDP’s identity and announced key dates for the party’s upcoming National Convention.

This firm stance was articulated in a robust communiqué issued following the Forum’s meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, April 15. The meeting, presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, convened PDP governors from across the nation to address crucial matters concerning the party and the country.

Addressing the swirling rumors of potential political alliances in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, the Forum emphatically stated that while the PDP remains open to welcoming individuals, groups, or other parties who share its objective of “wrestling power and enthroning good leadership,” it has no intention whatsoever of dissolving its established identity through any form of coalition.

Reaffirming their previously held position from the Asaba meeting, the governors reiterated their dedication to ensuring that the position of National Secretary remains within the South East zone.

In light of the recent Supreme Court judgment, the Forum proposed that the Deputy National Secretary should temporarily assume the responsibilities of the office in an acting capacity until a substantive Secretary is duly nominated and ratified by the party.

The PDP Governors also adopted a strong stance regarding the contentious declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, expressing their unwavering solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They characterized the federal action as an “ordeal” unjustly imposed on the people of the state and pledged their full support to Governor Fubara throughout this crisis. To safeguard fundamental democratic principles, the governors announced their intention to approach the Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of the constitutional provisions pertaining to the declaration of states of emergency.

Furthermore, the PDP Governors voiced their profound concern over the escalating security challenges plaguing Nigeria, particularly highlighting the dire situations in Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau States. The Forum advocated for a fundamental strategic overhaul in the approach to security, proposing a “bottom-up” strategy that empowers sub-national entities to become frontline defenders in the fight against insecurity. The governors vehemently condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, extending their deepest condolences to the affected families and communities.

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Looking ahead to the party’s future engagements, the Forum resolved to convene a crucial PDP Stakeholders Meeting on May 27, 2025, and to subsequently hold the party’s National Convention in Kano from August 28–30, 2025. To facilitate these pivotal events, the Forum announced the formation of two key committees: the Zoning Committee and the National Convention Committee.

The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara serving as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau as Secretary. The National Convention Committee will be led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa as Chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun as Vice Chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu as Secretary.

The Forum concluded by expressing its sincere gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for their warm and generous hospitality during the course of the meeting.

Governors present at the meeting included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), the host Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa). Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State were represented by their respective deputies. Notably absent from the meeting was the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.