The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum has declared that the party would not join or merge with any other political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum’s chairman, Governor Muhammad Bala of Bauchi State, said this after the governors’ meeting on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Reading the group’s communique after the meeting, Mr Bala said the PDP governors resolved that the party would not join any coalition or merger.

“Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of political parties, groups and/or associations, the forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger,” the governor said.

He, however, said PDP, as a major opposition party, would welcome any party, association or group willing to join it to wrestle power and enthrone good leadership in 2027.

Mr Bala, who was flanked by other PDP governors when reading the communique, equally stated that the forum reaffirmed its position taken in Asaba on the issue of the party’s national secretary.

He said, “That on the wake of the Supreme Court judgement, the forum resolved to recommend the deputy national secretary of the party to act as the national secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive national secretary from the South-East zone by NEC at its next meeting.”

The chairman stated that the forum reasserted its collective determination to approach the Supreme Court to give a clear verdict on the interpretation of the law on the declaration of a state of emergency in any state of the federation.

“The forum, therefore, reiterates its solidarity with His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on the ordeal in which he and his people are being plunged into by the declaration of a state of emergency, and we reiterate our commitment to stand with him to the end,” he stated.

The forum also raised concerns over the worsening security situation in some parts of the country, especially in Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States.

Mr Bala disclosed that the forum called for a review and reordering of priorities and strategies for security agencies that would guarantee improved security across the country.

The forum commiserated with the people of Plateau over the loss of lives in the recent attack in the state.

The chairman of the forum further made it known that the NEC meeting of the party would be held on May 27, “having resolved with the National Working Committee and other relevant organs of the party.”

He explained that zoning committees would be constituted during the May 27 meeting to address all issues relating to the running of the party offices.

Mr Bala said the party convention would be held in August, “precisely on the 20th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.

Present at the meeting were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) were represented by their deputies, Monday Onyeme and Akon Eyakenyi, respectively.

(NAN)