Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was notably absent from a meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday to address pressing national issues.
The meeting, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, had in attendance Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi and Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme also represented their states.
In a communiqué issued after the six-hour closed-door meeting, the Forum dismissed recent speculations about potential party alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that the PDP is not considering any coalitions or mergers.
Governor Mohammed, who read the communiqué, clarified that while the party remains committed to rescuing Nigeria and promoting good governance, it is open to welcoming individuals, parties, and groups aligned with these goals.
“The Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, as a major opposition party, it welcomes any party, persons, or groups willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027,” the communique read.
The Forum also declared its solidarity for Fubara who was earlier suspended by President Bola Tinubu who imposed a state of emergency on the state.
On the spate of insecurity in parts of the country, the Forum expressed concerns over the rising insecurity in Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau states.
The group called for a review and reorganisation of the nation’s security architecture, advocating a bottom-up approach that empowers sub-national governments to play a more active role in safeguarding their territories.
The Forum also announced plans to hold a national meeting on May 27, 2025, where a Zoning Committee would be constituted ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for August 28 to 30, 2025, in Kano.
The communique also listed members of the Zoning and National Convention Committees, with Governor Diri named Chairman of the Zoning Committee, and Governor Fintiri heading the National Convention Committee.