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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to intimidation and coercion in a bid to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Rising from a crucial meeting on Tuesday evening at the PDP FCT Secretariat in Abuja, the forum, chaired by Sir Edward Masha condemned what it described as the APC’s “undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts” to harass and lure PDP leaders, including governors, senators, and lawmakers, into defecting.
The Forum, in a communiqué issued after the meeting, warned that the APC’s conduct represented a dangerous slide toward a one-party system. “These acts are an assault on democracy and must be resisted by all well-meaning Nigerians,” the statement read.
The meeting, which deliberated on issues affecting party unity, preparations for the November 15–16 National Elective Convention, and the state of the opposition across the country, also took decisive action against internal sabotage.
The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain PDP members alleged to be working in concert with external forces to disrupt the convention. Specifically, it named Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who reportedly sought a court injunction to halt the upcoming convention. Their actions were described as a betrayal of the party’s collective resolve to rebuild and reposition ahead of the polls.
“Consequently, the forum resolved to suspend both members from the body and appointed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum” it stated.
In another resolution, the Forum passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party. It reaffirmed its commitment to working harmoniously with these structures to rebuild the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative to the ruling party.
The forum further called on members and supporters nationwide to remain calm, united, and focused despite what it described as “provocations and distractions” orchestrated by opponents. It pledged continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it takes strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of 2027.
The meeting was attended by 25 state chairmen, including representatives from Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Ogun, Yobe, Borno, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Kogi, Anambra, Niger, Benue, Kwara, Kaduna, and the FCT.
Those who joined virtually included the PDP chairmen of Jigawa, Zamfara, Plateau, Osun, Kebbi, Gombe, and Adamawa States.
The communiqué was signed by the new Forum Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and Secretary, Sir Edward Percy Masha, who emphasized the Forum’s readiness to defend democratic values and ensure a successful convention.
“The PDP remains the hope of Nigeria’s democracy. No amount of intimidation or internal sabotage will derail our collective vision to rescue this country,” the Forum declared.