PDP Govs. Forum Dares Wike Group, Insists: “National Convention Must Hold”

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has vowed that there is no going back on the national convention of the party.

The 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 2025 had fixed November 15 for the National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State

The Governors rose from its 2025/7TH Meeting in Gusau,  Zamfara State capital, on Saturday,  and dared all anti-party members working against the schedule National Convention of the Party.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike-led group within the PDP is up in arms against the hosting of the National Convention.

The Forum particularly tasked leaders and members of the Party to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces, but to see the PDP as the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development.

The PDP Governors condemned what they described as “the over-militarization”of the last Saturday’s bye- elections which they noted was characterized by wide spread irregularities, vote buying and violence, and called on Nigerians to be more circumspect in protecting their votes.

This was as it reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing the Nigeria and Nigerians from the “divisive governance style” of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose policies, it noted have continued to cause more hardship and misery on the people.

A communique of the Forum signed by its chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, stated that the opposition governors extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the security situation, the erosion of democratic values, as well as ongoing efforts to reposition the PDP and make adequate preparations for its forthcoming national convention.

The PDP Governors expressed gratitude to members and supporters of the Party nationwide for their steadfast loyalty in the face of what they described as “serious intimidation and untold anti-democratic actions” of the APC-led Federal Government in the last bye-election.

The Forum commended the resilience of PDP leaders and members in overcoming orchestrated defections, stressing that such distractions cannot diminish the party’s strong grassroots appeal or the growing public yearning for the return of affordable living and relative security experienced under PDP-led administrations.

The communique further stated; “The Forum urges members and supporters of our Great Party, as well as the entire citizenry, to hold fast to the vision and principles of the PDP, in spite of the growing intimidation of the opposition by the government in power.

“This sad situation should only be seen as the sign of the desperation of a political party with no agenda, no vision and doomed to face inevitable rejection by the masses.

“The Forum, particularly commends initiatives by the government of Zamfara State in significantly curbing insecurity within the state; but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country and calls on the federal government to be more responsive to the lives and properties of the citizenry.

“The Forum thanks the Government and people of Zamfara State for not only hosting the 2025/7TH Meeting, but the uncommon hospitality extended to all; and also congratulate Governor Dauda Lawal on his exemplary leadership and notable achievements in infrastructure, health, education, other social services, and security.

“The Forum commiserates with the Government and people of Zamfara State on the passing of the Emir of Gusau, and equally with the Government and people of Oyo State over the recent loss of traditional rulers.

The meeting was attended by Governors Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) – Chairman, Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State)– Host Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State), Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Senator Douye Diri (Bayelsa State) and Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)