PDP Governors Confirm National Convention Dates, Rule Out Party Mergers.
By Adewale Owoade
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), has ruled out the speculations on joining any coalition or merger with any party.
However, the party said it will welcome any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
The governor elected under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including members of National Executive Committee, NEC, converged in Ibadan to discuss critical issues affecting the party
The forum which was hosted by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, had in attendance Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Peter Mbah of Enugu and Agbu Kefas of Taraba.
Others include Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Douye Diri of Bayelsa.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom were represented by their deputies, while the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara was absent at the meeting.
The governors later went for a close door session which lasted for about two hours, after which a communique was issued and read by Chairman PDP Govs Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
“The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) held its Meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, and resolved the following:
“Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that they 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 wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
“The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, the Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination/ ratification of a Substantive National Secretary from the South East Zone at NEC’s next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rap constitutional democracy hence the decision of approach Supreme Court to give a clear cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the court on the declaration of State of Emergency in any State of the Federation.
“The Forum therefore restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunge into by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.
“The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country as evidence 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.
“The Forum resolved in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold the NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025.
“Constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to 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.
“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows.
“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang- Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.
“The Forum expressed its gratitude to the host Governor, His Excellency. Engr. Seyi Makinde, the government and good people of Oyo state for their unusual and good hospitality to all of us.” (NAN)
