The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has reiterated its unwavering support for suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and vowed to stand with him through the current political crisis.
Rising from a meeting held in Ibadan, the forum, through its chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said it would continue backing Fubara while also seeking constitutional clarity from the Supreme Court on the legality of a state of emergency declaration.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy,” the communique read, stressing that the party had approached the apex court for an interpretation of the law concerning emergency declarations in any state.
The governors also distanced the PDP from any proposed coalition or merger with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. They, however, welcomed individuals or parties interested in joining PDP to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been pushing for a united opposition front, the PDP-GF stated, “The PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, it welcomes any party, persons or groups willing to join to enthrone good leadership in 2027.”
The forum further recommended that PDP Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshedo, assume the role of acting national secretary pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive replacement from the South East.
This follows the legal tussle over the ouster of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as national secretary, which reached the Supreme Court. The court ruled that the matter was an internal party affair, leaving the position in dispute between Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The governors emphasized that until the party resolves the issue at its next NEC meeting, Koshedo should act in the role to ensure leadership continuity.
To prepare for the party’s 2025 convention, the PDP-GF scheduled the event to hold from August 28 to 30 in Kano and appointed Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri to head the zoning committee. Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang will serve as vice chair and secretary, respectively.
In addition, a National Convention Committee was proposed, led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke as vice chair and Enugu Governor Peter Mbah as secretary.
On security, the PDP governors expressed concern over the rising insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo states. They called for a new approach that allows sub-national governments to build grassroots defense structures.
The forum also condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and extended condolences to affected communities.
Governors present at the Ibadan meeting included those of Enugu, Taraba, Zamfara, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Adamawa, and Bayelsa. Delta and Akwa Ibom were represented by their deputies.
