**By Anayo Okoli & Chinedu Adonu**
Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner convened in Enugu yesterday, issuing a warning against any presidential interference in the upcoming off-season gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.
They also criticized the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, while commending the PDP governors for their innovative developmental projects.
The meeting saw the attendance of 12 out of the 13 PDP governors. They expressed strong support for the embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and advocated for an expedited negotiation of a new minimum wage.
Presenting the communique at the end of the meeting, Senator Bala Mohammed, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and governor of Bauchi State, emphasized the need for issue-based, violence-free campaigns compliant with the Electoral Act.
The communique stated: “The Forum urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparent, fair, and unimpeachable elections, warning that any act of bias will be resisted. The Forum also calls on the President to demonstrate leadership as a true democrat by avoiding statements suggestive of political interference.”
The governors lamented the current state of the economy under the APC-led federal government but assured Nigerians that the PDP would return to power in 2027 to restore the nation’s glory.
“Forum notes with grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government. The Forum regrets that the 16 years of development under the PDP, characterized by single-digit inflation and higher living standards, have been eroded by the current government’s lacklustre performance. We promise to bring back low inflation, affordable living costs, and greater quality of life for Nigerians.”
The governors also expressed frustration over the protracted minimum wage negotiations amid economic hardship, urging the federal government to expedite action while considering the financial capabilities of other government tiers.
“Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is justified and commands our total support. However, the agreement must consider the payment ability of local, state, and federal governments. We appeal for restraint to avoid a complete breakdown of law and order.”
The Forum pledged support for Governor Fubara in the Rivers State crisis and advocated for a political solution through wider consultations with stakeholders.
They welcomed the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy but stressed the need for careful implementation to maintain trust between federal and sub-national governments.
Finally, they praised the host governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his leadership in Enugu State and the South Eastern region, highlighting his significant projects and interventions.
Governors who attended the meeting included Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Umo Eno (Akwa-Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and the host, Peter Mbah.
Vanguard