The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has denied reports that its members are backing a presidential ticket featuring former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, for the 2027 elections.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Forum’s Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, the governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting only the candidate who legitimately emerges from the party’s primaries.
Recent reports (excluding The PUNCH) had suggested that five PDP governors were endorsing an El-Rufai/Obi ticket within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the Forum condemned these claims, calling them misleading and provocative.
“The PDP Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, strongly denounces these baseless reports, which are being spread by those unable to accept our commitment to good governance,” the statement read.
The Forum accused certain political actors of attempting to weaken the PDP by financing internal factions and spreading falsehoods. It warned that such efforts could threaten democratic institutions and push Nigeria towards a one-party system.
“The PDP Governors’ Forum does not associate with these individuals, nor does it engage in any negotiations that would compromise the party’s integrity,” the statement added, dismissing allegations of secret support for an El-Rufai/Obi candidacy.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the PDP, the Forum highlighted its governors’ efforts to alleviate economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
“In politics, rumors are inevitable, but we will not allow mischief-makers to mislead the public. Our commitment remains to equity, justice, accountability, and strengthening democracy,” the statement concluded.
The Forum assured that in 2027, PDP governors would fully support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the bid to reclaim power from the ruling APC.