2027 Elections: PDP Governors Reject Merger Talks, Rule Out Coalition Against APC

IBADAN, Nigeria — Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially ruled out the possibility of any political merger or coalition with other parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, firmly committing to rebuilding and repositioning the PDP as the main opposition force in Nigeria.

This decision was one of the key resolutions of the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting, which took place between Sunday and Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PDP to Strengthen from Within, No Alliance Planned

The forum's chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, made the announcement while addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting. He emphasized that while the PDP is open to welcoming individuals or political groups into its fold, it has no intention of entering into any merger or coalition arrangement.

“We are not in any merger talk. We are open to alliances and those who want to join us, but the PDP will stand strong as a party,” Governor Mohammed said.

The statement comes amid rising political speculations over a potential opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Background: Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai Push for Opposition Unity

The move to unite opposition forces has been championed by prominent political figures, including:

Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer
Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna governor who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP)

These political actors have publicly advocated for a broad-based coalition that could bring together key opposition parties under a unified front to unseat the APC.

Atiku and Obi have held separate consultations across party lines in recent weeks, signaling possible realignment talks, while El-Rufai’s defection and criticism of the APC has further fueled coalition rumors.

PDP Stands Firm: No Merger, But Doors Open

Despite the increasing calls for opposition unity, the PDP governors insist the party will chart its own course independently. They noted that while they acknowledge the importance of collaboration, any form of alliance must not come at the expense of the party’s identity or internal structure.

Governor Mohammed clarified:

“PDP remains the most viable alternative. We are working to reposition and rebuild the party. Anyone who wants to be part of that vision is welcome, but we’re not dissolving into another structure.”

Implications for 2027 Political Landscape

The PDP’s firm stance against a coalition may reshape the dynamics of the 2027 elections. With multiple influential opposition leaders operating from different platforms, the prospects of a unified front against APC appear increasingly uncertain.

Analysts say the lack of a merger could split the opposition vote, potentially benefiting the ruling APC, which currently boasts a strong national presence and 21 state governors.

What to Watch

Whether Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi will continue coalition efforts outside PDP
The political impact of Nasir El-Rufai’s switch to SDP
PDP’s internal restructuring plans and strategy ahead of 2027
APC’s response and consolidation efforts as opposition parties recalibrate

Conclusion

As Nigeria heads toward another critical election cycle, the PDP governors’ rejection of merger talks signals a determination to revive the party independently, even as other opposition forces explore collaborative strategies. Whether this decision strengthens the PDP or fragments the opposition remains to be seen—but it clearly sets the tone for the political battle ahead.