As preparations intensify for the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has named Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as Chairman of the Zoning Committee responsible for the equitable distribution of party offices.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting of the forum held on Monday at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan. The meeting, attended by key governors and deputy governors of the party, produced a communique outlining the party’s strategic direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, was appointed Vice Chairman of the zoning committee, while Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, was named Secretary.
The forum also recommended the constitution of the National Convention Committee to be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State. Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, was named Vice Chairman, and Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, was appointed Secretary of the committee.
These appointments are, however, subject to ratification by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Reading the communique, PDPGF Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed the party’s resolve not to join any political coalition or merger, dispelling widespread speculations about such alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027,” the statement said.
In a show of continued support for embattled Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the forum restated its solidarity with him and condemned the alleged political interference destabilizing the state. It emphasized the need to seek a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court on the legal basis for declaring a state of emergency in any state, vowing to protect Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Regarding internal party structure, the forum stood by its earlier decision on the position of National Secretary. In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s judgment, it recommended that the Deputy National Secretary serve in acting capacity until a substantive secretary from the South East is nominated and ratified.
The communique further highlighted the deteriorating security situation across several states, notably Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo. It condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State, extended condolences to victims, and called for an urgent review of national security strategy, suggesting a bottom-up approach to enable state-level interventions.
The forum resolved to work with the NWC to hold the party’s NEC meeting on May 27, 2025, and proceed with the national convention scheduled for August 28–30, 2025, in Kano.
The full list of committee recommendations includes:
Zoning Committee:
- Chairman: Gov. Douye Diri (Bayelsa)
- Vice Chairman: Gov. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
- Secretary: Gov. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
National Convention Committee:
- Chairman: Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa)
- Vice Chairman: Gov. Ademola Adeleke (Osun)
- Secretary: Gov. Peter Mbah (Enugu)
Governors and representatives in attendance at the Ibadan meeting included: Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dr. Peter Mbah (Enugu), Senator Akon Eyakenyi (Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom), and Sir Monday Onyeme (Deputy Governor of Delta).