By Unue Emeka,
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has appointed Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as Chairman of its Zoning Committee ahead of the party’s National Convention later this year.
In a statement by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, were named Vice Chairman and Secretary of the committee, respectively.
The Forum also recommended the constitution of a National Convention Committee, to be chaired by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, was named Vice Chairman, while Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, will serve as Secretary.
These recommendations are subject to ratification by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
Reading the communique after the meeting held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Ibadan, PDPGF Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, announced that the party would not join any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 elections.
The communique read in part, “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. However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.
“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 National Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South East Zone and NEC respectively at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy; hence the decision to approach 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 His Excellency, Sir 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.
“The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country especially Borno, Plateau, Katsina and Edo States. The Forum calls for review and reordering of priorities and strategies, including adopting a bottom-up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.
“While raising the concerns above, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserate with the government and people of the state, especially those who lost their lives and property during this unfortunate mishap.
“The Forum resolves that working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the ancient city of Kano.
“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows:
“Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri – Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang – Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.”
The Forum reaffirmed its solidarity with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid political tension in the state, and vowed to seek a Supreme Court interpretation on the constitutional provisions for declaring a state of emergency.
Raising concerns over rising insecurity in parts of the country — including Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States — the governors called for a fresh security approach, adopting grassroots-oriented strategies.
The Forum condemned recent attacks in Plateau State, commiserating with victims and affected communities.
Key resolutions included: NEC meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025; Early National Convention to hold August 28–30, 2025 in Kano; Ratification of the Zoning and Convention Committees by the NWC and NEC.
Governors present included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), as well as Deputy Governors Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom) and Monday Onyeme (Delta).
