The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum on Saturday held its 7th meeting of the year in Gusau, Zamfara State, with a strong declaration of unity, defiance, and strategic focus ahead of the 2027 elections.
The meeting, hosted by Governor Dauda Lawal at the Zamfara Government House, brought together several PDP governors, including Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi (Forum Chairman), Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba. However, Governors Peter Mbah of Enugu and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau were notably absent, fueling speculations of internal party tensions.
In a communique delivered by Chairman Bala Mohammed, the governors reaffirmed their total commitment to the forthcoming PDP National Convention slated for November 15–16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, warning sternly against any attempts to sabotage or derail the process. The resolution was widely seen as a direct pushback against moves allegedly orchestrated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been accused of seeking to frustrate the convention to consolidate his influence within the party.
“The convention is not negotiable,” Mohammed stressed, urging party members to resist distractions and external interference. The governors vowed to provide leadership in steering the PDP through the exercise as part of a broader plan to reposition the party as a viable alternative to the ruling APC.
Deliberations at the closed-door session also covered reports from the National Zoning Committee and the Constitution Review Committee, alongside reviews of recent by-elections, INEC’s performance, and the legislative strategy of the party.
Significantly, the Gusau meeting made no mention of coalitions or mergers with other parties, staying consistent with the Forum’s April 2025 resolution in Ibadan that the PDP would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections. Instead, the governors reiterated their openness to welcoming individuals and groups into the PDP fold, while rejecting any plan that could erode the party’s identity or leadership role.
The communique also touched on national concerns, with the governors condemning the “monstrous killings” in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue states, urging the Federal Government to step up protection of lives and property. They expressed appreciation to PDP supporters nationwide for their loyalty in the face of intimidation, harassment, and orchestrated defections.
The Forum further commended the host governor, Dauda Lawal, for his developmental strides in Zamfara, and extended condolences over the passing of the Emir of Gusau. They also sympathized with Oyo State following the deaths of revered traditional rulers.
By drawing a clear line on the November convention and maintaining their earlier stance of “no coalition, no merger,” the PDP governors have sent a strong signal of defiance and resolve—one that sets the tone for what promises to be a defining political battle as Nigeria marches toward 2027.