Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)–Nigeria’s main opposition party– have publicly distanced themselves from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s push for a coalition of opposition parties.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, made this stance clear during a meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.
Present at the meeting were the PDP National Chairman, Elia Damagum, Governors of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, Bauchi, Bala Mohammed, Adamawa, Umar Fintiri, Osun, Ademola Adeleke, Enugu, Peter Mbah, Taraba, Agbu Cephas, Zamfara, Dauda Lawal, Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, represented by his Deputy and Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori represented by his deputy, Sir Omodes, and the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Wasiu Adeleke, among others.
The PDP Governors’ Forum rejected merger talks, opting instead to focus on rebuilding and strengthening the party’s internal structure.
This decision comes in direct opposition to Atiku’s announcement of an opposition alliance aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
During the Ibadan meeting, the governors emphasized reconciliation and party unity as critical steps toward positioning the PDP as a formidable force in the upcoming election.
Mohammed, who read the communique after the 2025/4th meeting, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said, “The Forum has resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger.”
He said PDP, as a major opposition party, will welcome 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 communique read in part: “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of 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 with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
Also, the PDP governors said: “The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone by INEC at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy hence the decision of approaching the Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the provisions of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.
“The Forum restates its solidarity with the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. And we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.”
This comes after Atiku has been seen to be aligning with opposition figures like Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, has been vocal about the need for a united opposition to challenge the APC’s dominance.
However, the PDP governors’ rejection of these talks appears to be a setback for Atiku’s ambitions.
At 78, Atiku has contested the presidency six times without success, and some party members argue that his focus on coalitions risks fragmenting the PDP further.
The development also comes as the PDP has been grappling with internal crises since its loss in the 2023 election, with factions loyal to Atiku, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and other stakeholders vying for dominance.
The governors’ rejection of merger talks and their focus on party rebuilding suggest a calculated effort to unify these factions under their leadership, potentially at the expense of Atiku’s coalition agenda.
