The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is growing lean with the high number of the party’s heavyweights boycotting the converge held at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
The meeting, convened by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, following recent resolutions reached at a similar gathering in Ibadan, is aimed at addressing the party’s lingering internal crisis.
Among the absentees were Nigeria’s former Vice President, Alhaji Abaubakar Atiku; the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike; a South West chieftain, Bode George; Benjamin Anyanwu, National Secretary, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno who is in Lagos for his thanksgiving service.
Eno had professed to vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 general election and rumour is rife that he is marking time to jet to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Straightnews gathered that among those present for the Sunday meeting were Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa). Also in attendance were Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
The meeting also drew key figures from the party’s leadership, including PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Secretary of the Board of Trustees and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi; and several former governors such as Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Samuel Ortom (Benue).
Others in attendance include former Senate President and Kwara State Governor, Bukola Saraki; Babangida Muazu (Niger); Adamu Muazu (Bauchi); Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); and ex-Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel.
It is reported that invitations were sent to former governors, National Working Committee members, and Board of Trustees representatives.
Discussions are expected to focus on critical issues including the party’s National Secretary position, the upcoming National Elective Convention, the National Executive Committee meeting scheduled for May 27, and strategies to address the wave of recent defections from the PDP.