The Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the aegis of the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), have reiterated that the party is not the personal enterprise of any individual or faction. They emphasized that, despite the influence or desires of individuals regarding public appointments, party leadership should be guided by reconciliation, discipline, and a commitment to the common good.
This statement comes as a response to remarks made by Samuel Nwanosike, a prominent member of the PDP in Rivers State and former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Council. During a recent appearance on TVC, Nwanosike claimed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed intends to run for the presidency in 2027, with Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, as his vice-presidential candidate. Notably, Governor Bala Mohammed is the current chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, while Nwanosike is a known loyalist of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Wike, who has been a dominant figure in Rivers State politics, previously threatened to cause political turmoil in states where PDP governors support Fubara’s full control of the PDP structure in Rivers. His feud with Governor Bala Mohammed intensified due to Mohammed’s support for Fubara.
In a statement addressing Nwanosike’s remarks, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, affirmed that Governor Bala Mohammed remains focused on promoting unity within the party and upholding its foundational principles. Agbo stressed that the party must prioritize the collective good and not be swayed by the personal ambitions of a few.
“The PDP is not and will never be one man’s enterprise,” Agbo said. “No matter the influence or pressure for appointments by individuals or groups, the common good of our people, in the spirit of reconciliation, discipline, and truth, will always be the guiding principle of the trustworthy leadership that our party faithful expect.”
Agbo further emphasized that Governor Bala Mohammed does not align with any group or individuals who seek to undermine the authority of elected governors for personal gain. “Governor Mohammed will not be part of any clique or dramatists who daily plot to thwart the powers of a governor to serve his state. Nor will he bend the constitution to serve the ambitions of a few at the expense of the impactful development that the people deserve.”
Instead, Governor Mohammed stands by the principle of “live and let live,” preferring reason and reconciliation over divisive tactics. Agbo highlighted that under Mohammed’s leadership, the PDP Governors’ Forum aims to foster convergence rather than division within the party. “It is an oath he swore to and will always uphold to enhance the vision of the Party’s founding fathers, ensuring we build upon the legacy we inherited.”
The statement further underscored the need for the PDP to allow space for growth and the infusion of new ideas, rather than exacerbating internal tensions for personal power. “We must create room for growth and fresh ideas instead of heating up the polity with self-aggrandizing theatrics.”
The PDP Governors’ Forum also took the opportunity to remind its members that the party’s legacy is built on centrist policies, social justice, and economic development, not self-driven, transactional patriotism. “Having provided an umbrella for us all, it is incumbent upon us to allow others to grow and contribute without burning down the party to fulfill personal ambitions of eternal power.”
In a pointed remark, the forum stressed that Governor Bala Mohammed will not apologize for adhering to these values, nor will he engage in political squabbles with those who seek to advance their personal agendas. “Governor Mohammed owes no apology and will not dignify political jobbers with a response,” the statement read. “Their arrogance and insensitivity could bury the future of their constituencies and the country if left unchecked.”
The statement concluded by reminding PDP members of the importance of inclusivity and reconciliation. “Our party has always thrived on reconciliation and discipline, not chauvinism. We must continue to build a tradition of values and inclusivity to ensure the future of the PDP and the country as a whole.”
