By Springs News NG | March 9, 2025

The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has dismissed reports suggesting that the forum endorsed a joint presidential ticket featuring former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi for the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday, March 8, by the forum’s Director-General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, Governor Mohammed condemned the reports, calling them fabrications designed to weaken the opposition.

Attempts to Weaken the PDP

Governor Mohammed accused unnamed political adversaries of spreading misinformation to create division within the party and push Nigeria towards a one-party system.

“It is incumbent on the PDP Governors’ Forum, through its leadership, to openly denounce and in very strong terms, the unpleasant and provoking publications and rumours being peddled ad nauseam by negative forces,” the statement read.

No Discussion on El-Rufai/Obi Ticket

The Bauchi governor reaffirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum had never discussed nor endorsed an El-Rufai/Obi ticket. He stated that certain individuals were working behind the scenes to push a false narrative for political gain.

“The PDP Governors’ Forum is not in consonance with these actors, neither does it enjoy any ambience of political space to discuss nor seal the auction of the PDP through lowlife grifters who are allegedly working behind the scenes to support a potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi presidential ticket in the 2027 election,” the statement asserted.

Commitment to Party Unity

Governor Mohammed reassured party members that PDP governors remain committed to strengthening the party and addressing national challenges despite opposition from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“As a formidable party, all organs of the party have continually been engaged in reconciliation and reconsolidation to ensure progressive development that will improve the lives of Nigerians,” he emphasized.

The forum dismissed the reports as an attempt by “detractors and mischief makers” to discredit the PDP’s governance efforts.

PDP’s Plan for 2027 Elections

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the PDP Governors’ Forum pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer.

“In 2027, PDP governors, as disciplined leaders and stakeholders, will exemplify their commitment by wholeheartedly supporting the party’s candidate in the battle to wrestle power from the non-performers at the centre,” the statement added.

Analyst Weighs In on Opposition Coalition

Meanwhile, political analyst Hammas Hayatu, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, suggested that if El-Rufai, Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar intend to form a coalition against the APC, they must be willing to make sacrifices.

“In a coalition, personal ambition, party ego, and ideological differences must be set aside. The key question is: what is each person bringing to the table?” Hayatu said.

As the 2027 election draws closer, the PDP remains focused on reclaiming power while navigating the political dynamics shaping the opposition landscape.