The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has dismissed claims that its members are supporting a potential 2027 presidential ticket featuring former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. In a statement released on Saturday by the Forum’s Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, the PDP Governors clarified that they remain committed to backing any candidate who secures the party’s nomination for the presidency.
Recent reports on some media platforms suggested that five PDP governors were endorsing a joint ticket involving El-Rufai and Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, strongly refuted these claims, describing the reports as false, provocative, and aimed at causing division.
The Forum stated, “It is incumbent on the PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, to denounce in strong terms the unpleasant and provocative publications and rumors being peddled by negative forces. These forces are unable to accept the Forum’s commitment to addressing the failures of the current administration, which has left Nigerians in poverty and hardship.”
The statement further criticized what it called a deliberate attempt to undermine the opposition and impose a one-party system in Nigeria. “Unsatisfied with their inability to weaken our party, these forces are now directly targeting the PDP Governors, aiming to split the opposition and cripple democratic institutions. Their goal is to enforce dictatorship and one-party rule through questionable tactics and misinterpretation of the law.”
The Forum emphasized that it has no association with such actors and does not engage in discussions or agreements regarding the alleged El-Rufai/Obi ticket. “The PDP Governors’ Forum does not align with these individuals, nor does it entertain any political space for such discussions. We reject the notion of supporting a Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi ticket in the 2027 election.”
The PDP Governors reiterated their commitment to unity, reconciliation, and improving the lives of Nigerians through effective governance at the subnational level. “Our focus remains on fostering equity, social justice, accountability, and the enhancement of the lives of Nigerians. We will not be distracted by the antics of those who seek to undermine our progress.”
The statement concluded with a firm declaration of support for the party’s eventual flag-bearer in the 2027 elections. “As disciplined leaders and stakeholders, the PDP Governors will wholeheartedly support whoever emerges as our party’s candidate in the mission to reclaim power from the non-performers at the federal level.”
This strong rebuttal underscores the PDP Governors’ determination to maintain party unity and focus on their governance responsibilities, while rejecting external attempts to sow discord within their ranks.
