The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has disassociated itself from the newly announced coalition of opposition figures led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the proposed coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, declaring that the party will not enter into any political merger or alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration followed the 4th meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum for 2025, held on Monday, April 15, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The meeting was hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde and chaired by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum said:
“Noting the nationwide speculations about 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 wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
This decision appears to be a direct rebuff of the newly announced alliance spearheaded by Atiku, which reportedly includes key opposition figures such as former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai. Atiku had said the coalition was designed “to remove President Bola Tinubu in 2027.”
The PDP governors, however, reiterated their loyalty to the party’s internal structures and distanced themselves from the fast-developing opposition coalition. They also used the opportunity to back Setonji Koshoedo, the Deputy National Secretary of the party, to act in the capacity of National Secretary pending formal ratification.
“In the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, 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,” the statement read.
On security matters, the governors expressed concern over the “worsening security situation” across Nigeria, especially in Plateau, Borno, Katsina, and Edo States.
“The Forum calls for a 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,” they said, while condemning the recent attacks in Plateau State.
Additionally, the Forum announced plans to hold a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025, and to convene an early party convention in Kano from August 28–30, 2025.
They also named members of the committees for the convention and zoning arrangements. Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa) will chair the Zoning Committee, assisted by Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) as secretary. The Convention Committee will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), with Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun) as vice-chairman and Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu) as secretary.
Those in attendance at the Ibadan meeting were:
- Senator Bala Mohammed – Governor of Bauchi State & Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum
- Ademola Adeleke – Governor of Osun State
- Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – Governor of Adamawa State
- Seyi Makinde – Governor of Oyo State
- Douye Diri – Governor of Bayelsa State
- Dauda Lawal – Governor of Zamfara State
- Agbu Kefas – Governor of Taraba State
- Dr. Akon Eyakenyi – Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State
- Barr. Peter Mbah – Governor of Enugu State
- Sir Monday Onyeme – Deputy Governor of Delta State
The Forum expressed its appreciation to Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State for hosting the meeting.
