As defections and legal conflicts disrupt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) unites its governors in a quiet display of solidarity in Kebbi: a stark contrast that is edging Nigeria’s democracy towards the brink of one-party rule.
Numerous governors elected under the APC banner have arrived in Kebbi State in anticipation of a two-day assembly of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
Among those who left Abuja yesterday for Birnin Kebbi to participate in the meeting were the Chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum and Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi A. Sule, along with his Gombe State counterpart, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo; Delta State Governor, Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori; and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, were also among the early attendees at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, where they were welcomed by Kebbi State officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Muhammad Samaila.
The private meeting, taking place at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, is set to last for two days and aims to gather all governors elected on the APC platform.
In a related development, the Chairman of the PDP 2025 National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, expressed confidence yesterday in the party’s strength and unity, despite the recent departures of several governors and prominent members to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The convention, planned for November 15 and 16, is anticipated to strengthen the party’s framework and enhance its internal unity in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
During a visit to the proposed venue — the Lekan Salami Sports Complex and Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan — Fintiri reiterated that the PDP remains a robust political entity capable of regaining power in 2027.
He stated that the convention would highlight the party’s resilience, commitment to internal democracy, and readiness to offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the ruling party.
Fintiri’s remarks were made as Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja reiterated that his directive for the parties to uphold the status quo concerning the PDP National Convention is still valid and must not be breached.
The judge, who issued this statement yesterday, cautioned that no party should engage in any actions that could compromise the court’s authority or render its ruling ineffective. He warned that he would impose consequential orders against any party that resorted to self-help.
Justice Omotosho’s comments came in response to a concern raised by one of the PDP’s attorneys, Chris Uche (SAN), who informed the court that his client was being hindered by the existing order and sought an expedited hearing of the case.
The judge assured that the court would strive to deliver a verdict before the end of October, enabling all parties to understand their standings prior to the upcoming convention.
He stressed that no individual would be allowed to employ delay tactics to obstruct the prompt resolution of the case contesting the legality of the PDP’s scheduled national convention, set for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
