KEY POINTS

• Governor Siminalayi Fubara was absent from a crucial PDP Governors’ Forum meeting in Oyo State, where key governors discussed national issues and expressed solidarity with him following his suspension.

• The PDP reaffirmed its rejection of coalitions or mergers ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing the party’s openness to welcoming other political groups committed to good governance.

• The Forum also addressed rising insecurity across Nigeria and called for a review of the national security framework, while setting preparations for the PDP national convention scheduled for August 2025.

The ongoing tension surrounding Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara deepened as he was noticeably absent from the meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors’ Forum in Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 14, 2025.

The meeting, which was chaired by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, was convened to discuss pressing national matters, including the state of the country’s security and the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Channelstv reports that Fubara’s absence from the meeting, amidst mounting pressure and a state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, sparked speculation.

Despite the Governor’s notable absence, his colleagues within the PDP stood in solidarity with him, as the Forum expressed its support for Fubara, who had been suspended by President Tinubu. The President’s recent actions against Fubara have further intensified the political landscape in the country.

The meeting saw the attendance of other key PDP governors, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, as well as deputy governors from Akwa Ibom and Delta states.

PDP rejects coalition alliances

In a significant development, the PDP Governors’ Forum announced its position on the future of political alliances. Amid speculations about potential coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, the Forum issued a firm statement declaring that the party was not interested in joining any coalitions or mergers.

Instead, the PDP emphasized its openness to welcoming individuals, groups, and other political parties that share its commitment to reforming Nigeria and promoting good governance. “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,” said a statement read by Governor Mohammed.

Security concerns also took center stage during the meeting. The Forum expressed its alarm at the rising levels of insecurity in several Nigerian states, including Borno, Katsina, Edo, and Plateau.

The Governors called for a comprehensive review and reorganization of Nigeria’s security architecture, advocating for a bottom-up approach that would allow sub-national governments to play a more active role in ensuring the safety of their citizens. “The security situation in these states is worsening, and it is critical for regional and local governments to take a more active role in safeguarding their territories,” the statement added.

Looking ahead, the Forum set the stage for the PDP’s upcoming national convention, scheduled for August 28-30, 2025, in Kano. As part of the preparations, a Zoning Committee and a National Convention Committee were constituted.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa was appointed Chairman of the Zoning Committee, while Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa was named the head of the National Convention Committee. A national meeting has been scheduled for May 27, 2025, to discuss further preparations for the convention and the party’s strategic positioning for the 2027 elections.