Governors elected under the banners of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) are keeping their distance from a new opposition coalition aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Despite the recent launch of the coalition, which has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform, no sitting PDP or LP governor has publicly endorsed or associated with the movement. Similarly, prominent lawmakers in the National Assembly have remained silent, raising questions about the coalition’s ability to attract significant political backing.
Among those linked to the coalition are high profile politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Dino Melaye, former Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, PDP chieftain and media mogul Dele Momodu, Senators Gabriel Suswam and Ireti Kingibe (LP), and former Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha.
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At the coalition’s unveiling, former Senate President David Mark was introduced as the Interim Chairman, while former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola was named Interim National Secretary. Also present was former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.
Despite these prominent figures, elected politicians have largely withheld public support aside from LP Senator Ireti Kingibe.
The PDP, which currently governs eight states Bauchi (Bala Mohammed), Bayelsa (Douye Diri), Enugu (Peter Mbah), Osun (Ademola Adeleke), Adamawa (Ahmadu Fintiri), Zamfara (Dauda Lawal), Taraba (Agbu Kefas), and Rivers (Siminalayi Fubara) has not endorsed the coalition. Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, has led this cautious stance.
The Labour Party has just one governor, Alex Otti of Abia State.
However, at a recent PDP strategy meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State which was attended by the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and other key figures PDP governors made it clear they are not part of any coalition or merger discussions.
Instead, the PDP leadership signaled a willingness to welcome individuals or parties into its fold, provided they align with the goal of unseating the APC and promoting effective governance in 2027.