The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum concluded their two-day meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, highlighting the “unprecedented hardship and impoverishment” faced by Nigerians due to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government’s mismanagement of the economy.
The governors expressed concern over the prolonged minimum wage negotiations, urging for restraint in the discussions between organized labor and the government.
In a communiqué signed by the forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the governors criticized the APC-led federal government for undoing the “sixteen years of tremendous development” achieved under the PDP-led administration. They recalled that during the PDP’s tenure, Nigeria experienced single-digit inflation, the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and a higher standard of living for citizens.
“The forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back those good old days of low inflation rate, affordable food, fuel, and transportation, steady FDI inflows resulting in high naira value, and greater quality of human life,” the communiqué read.
The meeting also praised PDP governors for their innovative governance approaches in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives, and timely delivery of developmental projects across the country.
The forum called on Nigerians to avoid anarchy as the country moves toward the PDP’s return to power in 2027.
During the opening session, Governor Mohammed vowed that the PDP would reclaim leadership positions currently held by other political parties in the 2027 general elections, stating, “It is high time the party reclaimed its leadership position in all the states that are currently being occupied by other parties.”
Regarding the minimum wage demand, the forum supported labor’s call for a substantial salary increase but emphasized that any agreement should consider the ability of local, sub-national, and federal governments to pay.
The governors also expressed their commitment to local government autonomy following the recent Supreme Court judgment, urging that implementation should not create distrust between federal and sub-national governments.
In light of the crisis in Rivers State, the governors reaffirmed their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and called for broader consultations with stakeholders to achieve a peaceful resolution.
They also stressed that the upcoming party congresses should be inclusive, transparent, fair, and adhere to the party’s constitution.
Governors who attended the meeting included Peter Mba (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State was absent.
In response to the PDP governors’ criticism, APC National Publicity Secretary Barrister Felix Morka told Daily Trust that the APC would issue a considered response at the appropriate time. Presidential spokespersons Bayo Onanuga and Ajuri Ngelale did not respond to inquiries.
Dailytrust