By Ayomide Otitoju
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review Nigeria’s macroeconomic and fiscal policies, expressing concern over the economic hardship resulting from the Federal Government’s reforms.
The Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, made the appeal during a meeting held in Jos, Plateau State. It specifically highlighted the impact of policy decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have escalated the cost of living for Nigerians.
Empathy for Nigerians
“The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship hoisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” Governor Mohammed stated.
He urged the President to re-evaluate these policies to prioritize the welfare and well-being of citizens.
Commitment to Alleviating Hardship
The PDP governors pledged to continue implementing policies within their states aimed at reducing hardship and promoting development.
“The Forum wishes to pledge that all PDP governors will continue to aggressively pursue policies and programmes that will reduce the hardship and ensure progress and development,” Mohammed added.
Condemnation of Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo
The Forum also condemned the recently concluded governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, describing them as a “rape of democracy.” It accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating results in Edo in favor of the APC candidate, despite PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, allegedly winning the majority of lawful votes.
Similarly, the governors alleged vote-buying and manipulation in the Ondo election and called on the judiciary to uphold democracy in election petitions.
“The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people,” Mohammed said.
Party Leadership Crisis
On internal party matters, the governors urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by February 2025 to address lingering leadership challenges and consult with critical stakeholders.
Attendance and Absentees
The one-day meeting was attended by governors from Bauchi, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Oyo, and Plateau states. Delta and Enugu were represented by their deputy governors, while the governors of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Osun were absent.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to alleviating hardship and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy while urging decisive actions from both the Federal Government and the PDP leadership.
