By Ayo Kehinde
The Peoples Democratic Governors Forum has rejected the planned merger or coalition of opposition parties against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The chairman of the forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, declared this position on Monday, at the end of a two-day meeting of the Governors held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The forum also affirmed S. K Ude- Okoye as National Secretary, effectively bringing to an end Samuel Anyanwu’ s tenure.
Ahead of the 2027 Presidential election, leaders of opposition parties, especially former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former Kaduna governor, Nasir el-Rufai, have been canvassing for a formidable coalition that will challenge the APC.
But speaking in a communique read by Mohammed, the forum said the PDP Governors “will not join any coalition or merger.”
They emphasised that the PDP, as a major opposition party, “welcomes any party, persons, or groups that are willing to join the party with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
The Governors also expressed solidarity with Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of Rivers State.
“We restate our commitment to stand with him until the end amid the challenges posed by the declaration of a state of emergency in his state”, they declared.
Lamenting the rising insecurity in the country, the Forum called for a “review and reorientation of priorities and strategies” to counter insurgents and terrorist groups.
They condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, stating, “We extend our condolences to the government and people of the state, especially those who lost lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.”
The meeting was attended by Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa. Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom were represented by their deputies.
