In a bid to address growing defections and internal turmoil, governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday met with former governors and key stakeholders to chart a path forward and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting, convened by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, brought together serving governors, former state executives, National Assembly leaders, and members of the PDP Board of Trustees. Discussions reportedly focused on stabilizing the party, responding to recent defections, and preparing for both upcoming off-season elections and the 2027 polls.

Key Absences Raise Questions

Governors absent from the strategic meeting included Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Their absence, especially Fubara’s, underscores deepening divisions within the party, particularly in states dealing with leadership disputes or facing pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among those present were Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).

Also in attendance were Acting PDP National Chairman Ambassador Iliya Damagum, former governors including Nyesom Wike, Seriake Dickson, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Liyel Imoke, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Achike Udenwa, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki. Wike's presence remains notable given his strong influence within the party and his controversial relationship with PDP leadership.

Wave of Defections Prompts Urgency

The meeting follows the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in the state to the APC. Three Kebbi State senators also left the PDP after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Party insiders say the gathering was prompted by fears that Nigeria could effectively become a one-party state if the defections continue unchecked.

According to sources, the PDP leaders discussed unification strategies, the party’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, and preparations for the National Elective Convention. Deliberations also reportedly touched on whether to pursue alliances with other opposition parties or focus on internal consolidation.

The meeting is seen as a key step in crafting the PDP’s strategic direction as it prepares for elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states and sets its sights on the national stage in 2027.

Atiku's Quiet Efforts Undermined — Aide

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a key PDP figure, is reportedly frustrated by internal resistance to his attempts at rebuilding the party.

Speaking to Vanguard, Atiku’s media aide, Mazi Paul Ibe, accused unnamed party members of working with the APC to weaken the PDP from within. He said Atiku has been working to unify the opposition and offer a credible alternative to the APC, which he accused of causing widespread hardship in the country.

“Some people who rose through the PDP are now helping the APC to destabilize it,” Ibe said. “Atiku cannot rebuild the party alone. It requires unity and discipline.”

Addressing speculation about Atiku’s potential 2027 presidential run, Ibe noted that democracy allows everyone to have an opinion. “If someone thinks Atiku shouldn’t run, they can support another candidate,” he said.

He also criticized the APC-led federal government’s handling of insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship. “While Nigerians suffer, the President was vacationing in France. A responsible leader would have returned home,” he added.

Ibe concluded by urging Nigerians to shift focus from Atiku’s political future to holding the current government accountable for the nation’s worsening condition.