PDP Governors Hold Strategic Meeting Ahead of 2027 Elections to Address Defections and Party Crisis
Abuja, May 12-13, 2025 – Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside former governors, party elders, and National Working Committee (NWC) members, have convened a crucial meeting at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The closed-door gathering, led by Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors Forum Chairman Bala Mohammed, aims to tackle the party’s ongoing internal crisis, stemming from a wave of defections and leadership disputes, and to strategize for the 2027 general elections.
High-Profile Attendance and Unified Front
Present at the meeting were serving governors including Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba). Notable absences included the suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some other governors amid ongoing factional tensions.
Former governors and influential party figures such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ahmed Makarfi, Seriake Dickson, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Liyel Imoke, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Achike Udenwa, Samuel Ortom, and Udom Emmanuel also attended. The PDP Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum and other NWC members were present to provide leadership continuity.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-an influential PDP figure-arrived later in the evening, underscoring his pivotal role in the party’s internal dynamics.
Agenda: Stem Defections, Resolve Leadership Crisis, and Prepare for NEC Meeting
Though the agenda was not publicly disclosed, sources confirm the meeting focused on stemming the recent exodus of key members to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as several National Assembly members.
The gathering also aimed to resolve lingering leadership disputes, especially regarding the National Secretary position, and to prepare for the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025, and the National Elective Convention in August.
Formation of Reconciliation Committee
To foster unity and ensure a peaceful NEC meeting, the party established a seven-man reconciliation committee chaired by former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The committee includes governors Dauda Lawal, Caleb Mutfwang, and Peter Mbah, among others, tasked with charting a path to resolve internal conflicts and strengthen the party’s structure.
Challenges and Party Outlook
The PDP continues to grapple with defections, factionalism, and leadership disputes, which threaten its viability as the main opposition party. The meeting underscored the urgency of reorganizing and fortifying party structures to prevent further collapse ahead of the 2027 elections.
While party stalwarts expressed determination to hold the platform together, critics like APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje have declared the PDP “dead,” citing its internal chaos.
The PDP also inaugurated new members of its Board of Trustees during the meeting, signaling efforts to refresh leadership and unify stakeholders.
Political Significance
The meeting represents a critical attempt by the PDP to regroup, address its internal challenges, and present a united front against the ruling APC. The outcomes of the NEC meeting and subsequent national convention will be pivotal in determining the party’s future trajectory and electoral competitiveness.
