In response to the Supreme Court’s judgment on the secretaryship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governors elected under the party’s banner have rejected Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s National Secretary.
As a result, the PDP has appointed Deputy National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo as the Acting National Secretary.
A communique issued by the PDP Governors, and read by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, confirmed that Koshoedo will serve as Acting National Secretary.
The move will allow the South East Zone to nominate a permanent National Secretary, who will be presented to the party during its next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The communique also reaffirmed the PDP Governors’ opposition to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that the matter has been taken to court for further examination.
Below is the full communique:
The PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) convened its 2025/4th meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, and reached the following resolutions:
“In light of nationwide speculations about potential mergers and coalitions among political parties and groups, the Forum declared that the PDP would not join any coalition or merger. However, the party remains open to welcoming any party, individuals, or groups that wish to join the PDP in its mission to wrest power in 2027 and ensure good governance.”
“The Forum reiterated its previous position on the National Secretary issue. Following the Supreme Court judgment, it was resolved that the Deputy National Secretary should act as the National Secretary until the South East Zone nominates and the NEC ratifies a substantive National Secretary at the next meeting.”
“The Forum reaffirmed its collective resolve to protect Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. As part of this effort, it has approached the Supreme Court to seek a clear interpretation of the legal provisions regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in any state. The Forum expressed full solidarity with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his people, stating its commitment to stand by him through this ordeal.”
“The Forum expressed alarm at the worsening security situation in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in states like Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo. The Forum called for a review of security priorities and strategies, advocating for a bottom-up approach that empowers sub-national governments to serve as a frontline defense against security breaches. The Forum also condemned the recent attacks in Plateau State and offered condolences to the state government and those affected by the violence.”
“The Forum resolved to collaborate with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant bodies to hold a NEC meeting on May 27, 2025. The meeting will constitute a Zoning Committee to address all issues related to the zoning of party offices. The Forum also announced plans for an early party convention, scheduled for August 28-30, 2025, in the historic city of Kano.”
“The Forum recommended the formation of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC. The Zoning Committee will be chaired by Governor Douye Diri, with Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice Chairman and Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. The National Convention Committee will be chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah as Secretary.”
“The Forum expressed its gratitude to the host Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and the people of Oyo for their hospitality.”
Those in attendance included:
- H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State & Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum
- H.E. Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State
- H.E. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State
- H.E. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State
- H.E. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State
- H.E. Dauda Lawal, Governor of Zamfara State
- H.E. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Taraba State
- H.E. Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State
- H.E. Barr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State
- H.E. Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State
