Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, held a crucial meeting with former governors and key stakeholders of the party in Abuja, as part of efforts to address ongoing defections and internal crises threatening the unity and future of the party.
The strategic meeting, which took place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, was convened by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed. The focus was on stabilising the party and mapping out a roadmap for the 2027 general elections.
In attendance were serving PDP governors including Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
Notably absent were Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), and the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The absence of some governors, especially in states where PDP is facing serious internal rifts or pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further underlined the fragile state of the party.
The meeting also had in attendance former PDP governors, members of the Board of Trustees, former presiding officers of the National Assembly, and other prominent figures such as Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and former Governors Seriake Dickson, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Liyel Imoke, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Udom Emmanuel, and Achike Udenwa.
The leadership expressed concern over recent high-profile defections, including those of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP structures in Delta to the APC. In addition, three PDP Senators from Kebbi State—Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki—recently joined the APC after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
To address these challenges, the leaders discussed plans for the forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the National Elective Convention. The gathering was aimed at repositioning the party and preventing Nigeria from sliding into what they described as a “one-party system.”
The PDP stakeholders resolved to forge a united front and intensify internal reconciliation efforts as they prepare to reclaim national relevance in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
