Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have expressed concerns about potential interference by the ruling All Progressives Congress in the opposition party’s internal crises.
The alarm was raised during a crucial meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum held in Abuja to address critical challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, briefed journalists after the closed-door session which brought together serving and former PDP governors, as well as key party leaders. The meeting focused on strategies to foster unity and resolve internal divisions within the party.
Governor Mohammed stated, “We are here with all the governors elected under the party, that are still in the party, and a substantial number of former PDP governors, with our leaders, the chairman of the party, and some members of the National Working Committee.”
He added, “We discussed some of the issues relating to our party, some existential issues, of course, that have been around in the media, within us, so that we will be able to navigate smoothly for the NEC that is scheduled to take place on the 27th of this month, and by August we will have an early convention.”
The meeting emphasized the urgent need to address grievances, ongoing litigations, and internal conflicts to present a united front. As part of these efforts, a seven-member reconciliation committee was established, headed by former Senate President and ex-governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki.
Governor Mohammed explained, “We set up a committee of seven, headed by His Excellency, the former Senate President, and of course former Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, to make sure that at least quick reconciliation and reach out will be made, in such a manner that we will have a very rancour-free and harmonious NEC and convention.”
Addressing recent defections from the party, Governor Mohammed framed them as an opportunity for strengthening rather than weakening the PDP.
“This is some of the manifestations in a democratic set-up like this that we have, and this is what is forcing us to come together,” he said.
“Rather than diminishing and weakening, it is making us stronger, and we will make sure at least those chapters where we have history, where we have structure, are not left alone. They will be able to produce next governors of the PDP by the grace of God, because we will be providing the level playing field in the next convention that is coming up.”
While stopping short of directly accusing the APC, Governor Mohammed hinted at possible external influence in the party’s challenges.
“We wouldn’t want to blame the APC for causing crisis, but they are likely to be the ones. We are not saying they are the ones,” he cautiously noted.
The PDP governors reassured party supporters of their commitment to unity and readiness to tackle internal challenges. They pledged to ensure a harmonious National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for April 27 and an early convention in August, signaling their determination to reclaim political relevance in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.