Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are converging in Ibadan, Oyo State, this Sunday and Monday to address growing concerns within the party and strategize for a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting comes amid mounting pressure from various quarters to forge a united opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, internal disagreements among major stakeholders continue to stall progress on coalition efforts, sources told DAILY GAZETTE.
One major point of discussion will be the party’s legal challenge at the Supreme Court over the federal government’s declaration of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who serves as vice chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.
The party’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, confirmed the dates for the Ibadan meeting, noting it will hold on Sunday, April 13 and Monday, April 14, 2025.
Party insiders revealed that members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) have also been invited to join the discussion, with emphasis on how best to engage other opposition parties in the proposed alliance.
A recent Supreme Court judgement regarding the tussle over the position of PDP National Secretary—between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye—is also on the table.
The governors are reportedly in possession of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, which will shape their final position 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 stated.
Another insider emphasized the high stakes surrounding the meeting, warning that the PDP risks slipping into political irrelevance if it fails to act boldly.
“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 source warned.
According to him, “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.”
He continued, “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 to predict the top item on the Ibadan meeting agenda, the source responded: “The state of the party. That’s my honest opinion. It can’t be anything other than that. The PDP is in bad shape.”
Political analyst, Chudi Chukwuani noted that no single party can defeat the APC in 2027 without a united front.
“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 explained.
Drawing from history, Chukwuani added: “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.”
Timothy Osadolor, a PDP chieftain, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that unity among the opposition is not optional.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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.”
Although the PDP may not be taking the front seat in the coalition effort now, Osadolor believes the party will assume a major role.
“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 affirmed.
In a different tone, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has withdrawn from merger discussions, stating it would not enter into any “clean slate” arrangement.
In a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP declared its commitment to offering a viable alternative for Nigerians but ruled out any merger.
“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 read.
Aiyenigba further disclosed that the party is focused on building robust structures across Nigeria and in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support the SDP, describing it as a “bastion of refreshing hope” committed to addressing the country’s pressing socioeconomic problems.
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