Governors under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are expected to meet in Ibadan, Oyo State, from Sunday to Monday to chart a course for the party’s survival amid rising discontent and strategic considerations for a possible opposition merger ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The April 13–14 meeting is seen as crucial as the PDP attempts to assert relevance in the face of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s dominance.
Despite increased momentum among various opposition leaders to form a joint front, party sources indicate that infighting and competing agendas remain major obstacles to unity.
Key among the talking points will be the party’s position on collaborating with other political groups to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
While several PDP governors favour the idea, discussions have been bogged down by internal disputes.
The governors will also tackle the party’s legal confrontation with the federal government over the political impasse in Rivers State.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is currently serving as vice chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, has been caught in a power struggle that saw him suspended following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Another pressing matter on the agenda is the fallout from a Supreme Court decision regarding the PDP national secretaryship battle between Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.
The Certified True Copy of the ruling, which the governors have reviewed, is expected to guide their stance on the rightful officeholder.
According to one top PDP insider, the Ibadan meeting could determine whether the party holds together or continues to lose members.
“There’s serious frustration across the board,” he said. “People are exhausted. If the governors fail to provide direction, the PDP might become just another splinter party.”
He warned that many members had emotionally detached from the party, and only decisive leadership could restore confidence.
“It’s not about one governor’s view anymore. The grassroots don’t care. They want leadership, not infighting.”
The source concluded that the most urgent issue the governors must resolve is the party’s viability. “This meeting has to be about saving the PDP. If not, the party might not survive this storm.”