Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has been appointed as chairman of the zoning committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum in preparation for the party’s upcoming national convention.
According to a statement released on Monday by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal was named vice chairman of the committee, while Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang will serve as secretary.
Additionally, the forum has recommended the formation of a National Convention Committee. Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, is proposed as chairman, with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as vice chairman, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as secretary. These recommendations still await approval from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
The announcements followed a PDP Governors Forum meeting held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Monday. The communique from the meeting was presented by the Forum’s Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
Among the resolutions, the PDP governors firmly rejected any plans for mergers or coalitions with other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Forum emphasized its commitment to strengthening the PDP as a united opposition capable of taking power and providing effective governance.
The governors also resolved to approach the Supreme Court for clarity on constitutional provisions concerning the declaration of a state of emergency. This decision follows growing concern over political developments in Rivers State, where the Forum reiterated its full support for suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The communique stated, “In light of speculation about potential party mergers, the PDP will not be part of any coalition. However, the party remains open to welcoming individuals, groups, or parties that wish to join forces to reclaim leadership in 2027.”
The Forum also discussed the role of the National Secretary, recommending that the Deputy National Secretary temporarily assume the position until a substantive replacement from the South East is nominated and ratified.
Addressing Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, especially in states like Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo, the Forum called for a reassessment of national security strategies. It emphasized empowering local governments and communities to form stronger defenses against security threats. The governors also condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and extended condolences to affected residents.
Furthermore, the PDP Governors Forum announced plans to hold a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025. The party’s national convention has been scheduled to take place in Kano on August 28–30, 2025.
The proposed committee leaderships are as follows:
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Zoning Committee:
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Chairman: Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa)
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Vice Chairman: Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
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Secretary: Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
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National Convention Committee:
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Chairman: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa)
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Vice Chairman: Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun)
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Secretary: Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu)
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Attendees at the meeting included Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Others present were Taraba’s Governor Agbu Kefas, Enugu’s Governor Peter Mbah, Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi of Akwa Ibom, and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme of Delta State.
