By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governors serving on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the aegis of its Governors Forum have ruled out any possibility of the umbrella party joining any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor also justified their decision to approach the Supreme court to give clear cut verdict on the interpretation of the of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency to avoid what it described as rape of constitution democracy.
The stands form highlight of the decisions reached by the Governors during their 2025/24th meeting which held at the Oyo State Governors Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan on Monday.
The Chairman of the Forum who also doubles as the Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed read the decisions which was contained in the communique issued at the end of the meeting.
He said the Forum has also resolved to working with the National Working Committee amd other relevant organs to hold the NEC meeting on May 27th, 2025, constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 28th, 29th and 30th, 2025 in Kano.
The Forum also recommended the constitution of zoning and national convention committee for ratification by the NWC and NEC. Governor Douye Diri, Governor Dauda Lawal and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Chairman, Vice and Secretary respectively for the Zoning Committee, while Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor Ademola Adeleke and Governor Peter Mbah were recommended to serve as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively for the National Convention Committee.
The communique reads in part, “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 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.
“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 judgment, Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone by NEC at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rap of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of 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 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 especially Borno, Pleateau, 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 resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a 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 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 hospitality.”
