•PDP acting chair, Umar Damagum and SDP chair, Shehu Musa Gabam
Barring any last-minute change, governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are set to meet in Ibadan, Oyo State between today and tomorrow to deliberate on the future of the party amid growing calls for a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting is taking place at a time when opposition leaders across the country are intensifying efforts to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, divergent interests among key stakeholders have continued to hamper the progress of coalition talks, reports Sunday Trust.
The governors are also expected to deliberate on their suit against the federal government at the Supreme Court challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The suspended governor, who serves as the vice chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has been at the centre of a political crisis in the state, prompting concerns within the party over federal overreach and internal stability.
The national publicity secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed that the meeting of the Governors Forum would hold in Ibadan today, Sunday, April 13 and tomorrow, Monday, April 14, 2025.
According to sources within the party, the governors have also invited members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to the meeting, where they are expected to deliberate on how it would engage with other opposition parties in the proposed coalition.
Supreme Court judgement to shape deliberations
Another major issue on the agenda is the recent Supreme Court judgement on the tussle over the position of the party’s national secretary between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The apex court’s Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement, which has reportedly been obtained by the governors, will guide discussions on the matter.
“The governors are already in possession of the CTC and it will inform their decision on who legitimately holds the position of national secretary,” a source close to the party’s leadership said.
Governors to decide party’s coalition strategy
A highly placed party source told our correspondent that the decision the governors would arrive at would be crucial in determining whether the PDP can maintain its position as a strong opposition force or risk being overshadowed by smaller parties.
“The outcome of the meeting will determine the future of the PDP. If they don’t act decisively, the party risks becoming irrelevant in the opposition coalition. Over 75 per cent of PDP members are already tired and disappointed in the way the party is being run and are preparing to leave.
“The governors may chart a new path for the party – either leading it into a strong coalition or rebuild it internally and invite others to join. But whatever they choose to do, they must convince majority of party members of their sincerity,” the source said.
‘Members disenchanted’
The source, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, added: “The way this coalition is going, it might end up as an individual affair. Nigerians want change, that is clear, but the opposition leaders are not really determined to make it work.
“I can tell you categorically that unless something drastic is done, 75 per cent of PDP members have mentally checked out of the party. Whether one governor says one thing or another leader says something else doesn’t matter to the grassroots anymore.
“The governors have a lot of work to do. They need to allow the PDP constitution to prevail. Right now, members are scattered and disillusioned. People are simply trying to survive outside the party after enduring years of internal crisis.”
Asked what he believes would top the agenda of the Ibadan meeting, the source replied, “The state of the party. That’s my honest opinion. It can’t be anything other than that. The PDP is in bad shape.”
Coalition, not solo acts, can unseat APC – Chukwuani
Speaking on the broader political landscape, a political analyst, Chudi Chukwuani, told our correspondent that defeating the APC in 2027 would require more than individual party efforts.
“The only way to defeat the ruling party is through a coalition. If any individual is canvassing for a coalition, it means they are coming from a political party. Coalitions can begin with individuals, but eventually, the process must go through the political parties themselves,” he said.
Citing past alliances, he said: “If you recall, when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) came together, it started with individuals. Eventually, they formed the APC.
“The PDP is not the only political party in Nigeria. I believe that when the coalition builders get serious, other parties would have to choose between joining the APC or aligning with the opposition coalition. Standing alone will not work. They tried it in 2023 and failed. The only way to win power from the APC is through a coalition.
“If you add up the votes of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar in the last election, they would have defeated the APC. That’s the path forward.”
Opposition must unite to rescue Nigeria – Osadolor
Also commenting on the coalition talks, a PDP chieftain, Timothy Osadolor, said opposition parties had no choice than to come together to rescue the country from APC’s misrule.
Speaking to our correspondent, Osadolor said: “This coalition has to work for the interest and survival of Nigeria. Nigerians have come to the realisation that the APC cannot be dislodged without unity among all opposition leaders and parties.
“The APC has entrenched itself so deeply that no single political party can claim to take it head-on without collaboration. So, it is a matter of necessity, not convenience for political leaders to join hands to give Nigeria a new lease of life in 2027.
“I don’t see why the APC should not be defeated in 2027. I believe that Nigerians of goodwill are resolute in their belief that the APC must be chased out. It is a duty to the nation.”
According to him, while the PDP may not be taking the lead role in the coalition at the moment, it will be fully involved when the talks mature.
“The PDP is saying that any coalition must be based on agreed terms, and all stakeholders must sit together to plan. No one can sideline the PDP in coalition talks because, like it or not, it is the biggest political party in Nigeria, and arguably in West Africa.
“The PDP is going to take part and take the lead role in any meaningful coalition. That is our position,” he said.
SDP rejects merger
However, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has distanced itself from coalition talks aimed at forming a merger to unseat the APC.
In a communiqué issued by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) after a meeting in Abuja and signed by its national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a credible platform for Nigerians seeking change, but ruled out a merger.
The party stated that it remains committed to good governance, national unity and social justice, and reiterated that it would open its doors to patriotic Nigerians, but not on the basis of a merger or clean slate arrangement.
“The party renewed its drive to champion the crusade and national quest for social justice, better life for citizens, national progress and sustainable development.
“It also reiterated its commitment to opening its gates to accommodate all patriotic politicians and young Nigerians across the country, but emphasised its stand on ‘no merger’ and ‘no clean slate’ collaboration,” the statement reads.
‘SDP focused on strengthening structures’
He said the party’s NWC had finalised strategies to strengthen its local and diaspora structures in readiness for expanded roles at multiple levels ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party also announced simplified membership registration procedures at the state level to be managed by existing structures under state chairmen. According to the statement, further enhancements will be introduced, including a computer-assisted harmonisation system for membership revalidation and management.
“For optimal efficiency and effectiveness, the NWC has devised strategies to fine-tune the management of the party’s affairs and interests at various levels and to facilitate seamless harmonisation and integration of old and new members across the country,” Aiyenigba added.
He urged Nigerians to continue to keep faith with the SDP, describing it as a “bastion of refreshing hope” committed to solving the prevailing socioeconomic challenges facing the country.
