Nigeria PDP Governors Demand Urgent Economic Review, Call for Unity Within Party
The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, has reiterated the party’s commitment to unity and addressing the pressing challenges facing both the party and the nation. Speaking to the press at Government House Rayfield, Jos, after a strategic meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Mohammed outlined key resolutions and observations made by the forum.
Senator Mohammed acknowledged concerns raised by Nigerians, PDP elders, and founding members regarding divisions within the party. He reassured that the forum remains resolute in its efforts to ensure unity and cohesion within the PDP, emphasizing the party’s role as the trusted platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The forum expressed its support for the postponement of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting originally scheduled for November. This decision was taken out of empathy for Governor Enobasi, who recently lost his wife. The forum commiserated with Governor Enobasi and his family, praying for strength during this difficult time.
To address critical leadership and legal challenges confronting the party, the forum urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene the NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025, following extensive consultations with stakeholders. The period leading up to February will be used to address existential issues affecting the party, with a timeline of activities proposed to ensure stability.
The forum criticized the economic policies of the APC-led Federal Government, noting the growing hardship Nigerians face due to oppressive economic decisions. It called on the President to urgently review macroeconomic and fiscal policies to improve the welfare and well-being of citizens.
On electoral integrity, the forum raised concerns over alleged manipulation of results in the recent Edo Governorship Election, where it claimed the APC candidate was favored despite the PDP candidate, Mr. Asura Godolo, winning the majority of lawful votes. It called on the judiciary to safeguard democracy and urged the National Assembly to amend electoral laws to prevent institutional sabotage of the people’s will.
The forum praised PDP members in the National Assembly for their diligence in promoting fairness and equity in legislative processes. It also commiserated with: The government and people of Plateau State over the recent Katako Market fire incident, which destroyed properties worth millions of naira; and also the government and people of Jigawa State following a tanker explosion that claimed several lives and left many injured.
The forum expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government and the people of Jos for hosting the meeting. Senator Mohammed commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his administration’s transformative strides in social services, tourism, and transportation. The forum encouraged Nigerians to look forward to the replication of these successes nationwide under PDP leadership.
“The forum is optimistic that the PDP will reclaim its rightful position in Nigeria by 2027, by the grace of God,” Senator Mohammed concluded.
The meeting was chaired by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) and hosted by Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State). Other attendees included:
H.E. Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State)
H.E. Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
H.E. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State)
Deputy Governors Monday Onyeme (Delta State) and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai (Enugu State).
The meeting was attended by several National Assembly members, and party stakeholders from across the country, marking a significant step toward strengthening the party’s position and addressing national challenges.