In attempt to address the gale of defections and internal crisis rocking it, governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, met with former governors and other party stakeholders to strategise on its survival and forge a common front ahead of the 2027 general election.
The governors also invited former PDP governors, members of the Board of Trustees and former presiding officers of the National Assembly.
Recall that the rank of the PDP has been depleting, following the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the PDP structure in the state to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Also, National Assembly members have been leaving the party.
Three Kebbi lawmakers, Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), joined the APC after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu last Friday.
Following the wave of defections, the PDP leaders convened yesterday’s meeting to prevent the country from turning into a one-party state.
It was also learned that the PDP leaders addressed key issues, including the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting and the National Elective Convention, at the expanded meeting.
The meeting, it was further gathered, was convened to chart a way forward for the party.
The meeting, convened by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, would help define the party’s strategic direction, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PDP governors, who were notably absent, were Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa); and the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
Their absence, particularly that of Governor Fubara, highlights the widening cracks within the party, especially in states grappling with internal leadership disputes or increasing pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Others present included the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Iliya Damagum; former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke; former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; and former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose political influence remains significant within the party, despite ongoing internal tensions; former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel; and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
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