State governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review his administration’s economic policies, citing the increasing hardship faced by Nigerians.
The call came at the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum held in Jos, Plateau State, which wrapped up on Saturday.
In a communique issued after the meeting, the governors expressed their empathy for Nigerians who they said are suffering due to the economic difficulties attributed to the current policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
The communique, signed by Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, urged the president to take immediate action to alleviate the burden on citizens by reviewing both the macroeconomic and fiscal policies affecting the country.
“The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” the communique read.
“The Forum calls on the President to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies that will address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.”
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to alleviating hardship within their respective states, vowing to continue pursuing policies aimed at improving living conditions and promoting development.
“The Forum wishes to pledge that all PDP Governors will continue to aggressively pursue policies and programs that will reduce the hardship and ensure progress and development,” the statement added.
The meeting, which took place at the Plateau State Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, was attended by key figures of the party, including the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), Board of Trustees (BOT), National Assembly (NASS) Forum, Former Governors’ Forum, Former Ministers’ Forum, and other party leaders.
The communique also addressed internal party matters, particularly concerns raised about divisions within the PDP ranks. The governors expressed their resolve to maintain unity and cohesion within the party.
“The Forum wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance,” it stated.
In response to the postponement of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the communique acknowledged the need for empathy and understanding, particularly in light of the bereavement experienced by Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State.
The postponement was in deference to the funeral of the governor’s late wife, which coincided with the initially scheduled date for the NEC meeting. The governors expressed their condolences to Governor Bassey and prayed for his family’s strength during this difficult time.
Looking ahead, the PDP Governors’ Forum advised the NWC to schedule the NEC meeting for early February 2025, ensuring ample time for consultations with critical party stakeholders. The period between November 2024 and February 2025 will be used to address the party’s leadership challenges and ongoing litigations.
The forum also expressed concern over recent electoral events, particularly the Edo State governorship election, alleging manipulation of results in favor of the APC candidate.
The governors have called on the judiciary to take action to protect Nigeria’s democracy and for the National Assembly to examine the nation’s electoral laws to prevent further manipulation. They also condemned the alleged vote-buying during the Ondo State elections.
In terms of legislative affairs, the PDP governors commended the efforts of the majority of lawmakers in the National Assembly, urging them to scrutinize all bills to ensure they promote fairness, equity, and national development.
The forum extended its sympathies to the people and government of Plateau State over the devastating fire at the Katako Market, which caused significant damage to property, and to the government and people of Jigawa State following a tragic tanker explosion that claimed many lives.
In closing, the communique expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Plateau State government during the meeting and commended the state’s visible progress in social services, tourism, and transportation. The PDP governors expressed confidence that these transformations would serve as a model for other states, with the promise that the party would work toward regaining its political prominence in the 2027 elections.
Attendees at the meeting included notable PDP governors such as Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), the Forum’s Chairman; Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State), the host governor; Agbu Kefas (Taraba State); Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State); Seyi Makinde (Oyo State); and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State). The governors of Delta and Enugu states were represented by their deputies, Monday Onyeme and Ifeanyi Ossai, respectively.
