Abuja — In a bid to stem the tide of defections and internal crises threatening its survival, governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside former governors and top party stakeholders, convened an emergency strategy meeting in Abuja on Monday.
The high-level gathering, which held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, was aimed at forging a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections and exploring avenues to reposition the party amidst growing fears of Nigeria drifting into a one-party state.
The meeting was convened by Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. Those in attendance included Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
Notably absent were Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara — absences that underscore ongoing internal fractures within the party.
Other party stalwarts at the meeting included Acting National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum; former governors such as Seriake Dickson, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Liyel Imoke, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Achike Udenwa, and Udom Emmanuel. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike were also present, despite the latter’s perceived strained ties with the party’s central leadership.
The meeting followed a wave of high-profile defections, including the exit of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the state’s PDP structure to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This was further compounded by the defection of three PDP senators from Kebbi State after a recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Party sources disclosed that discussions at the meeting focused on stabilising the PDP’s leadership, resolving internal disputes—particularly those involving the National Working Committee—and addressing the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Elective Convention. Leaders also debated potential coalition strategies versus internal consolidation as pathways to electoral strength.
With off-season governorship elections approaching in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun, stakeholders resolved to mobilize resources and grassroots support to secure wins that could revive the party’s momentum nationally.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns over sabotage within the party. His media aide, Paul Ibe, accused some PDP members of covertly collaborating with the APC to undermine the party’s cohesion and frustrate reconciliation efforts.
“Atiku has done a lot to rebuild the PDP, but he can’t do it alone. When some members work against the party from within, they’re only helping the opposition,” Ibe said in a chat with Vanguard.
On speculations about Atiku’s interest in the 2027 race, Ibe maintained that such discussions are premature. “People have the right to support whoever they choose. That’s democracy. But the real issue is not Atiku’s ambition — it’s the APC government’s failure to address hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship,” he added.
As the PDP navigates one of its most critical periods, the outcome of this meeting could determine whether the party regains its footing or continues to fragment in the face of ruling party dominance.
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