By Juliana Uzoka

The country’s opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, alongside other principal organs of the party, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity and addressing challenges confronting the party and the nation.

The forum which convened at the Plateau State Government House, Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, November, deliberated on pressing party and national issues and issued a communique afterward.

Arising from the crucial closed door meeting, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State, emphasized the importance of cohesion, stating, “We remain resolute in our determination to ensure unity and cohesion within our great party, which Nigerians trust as the best platform for democratic governance.”

The Forum, while empathizing with Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State over the loss of his wife, announced a postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting previously scheduled for this period. It called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene the NEC by the first week of February 2025. This timeline, according to the communique, will enable the party to address critical issues such as leadership challenges and ongoing litigations.

The Forum expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. It urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review macroeconomic and fiscal policies to alleviate the plight of Nigerians.

Addressing electoral integrity, the Forum condemned the conduct of the recent Edo and Ondo governorship elections. Governor Mohammed stated, “It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favor of the APC candidate in Edo, and we are closely examining evidence of vote-buying in Ondo.” The Forum called on the judiciary to uphold democratic principles and urged the National Assembly to reform electoral laws to prevent institutional manipulation of election outcomes.

Key Resolutions in the Communique

1. Party Unity and NEC Meeting Postponement

The Forum addressed concerns over internal divisions and announced the postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting out of empathy for Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State, whose wife was recently laid to rest. It urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to reschedule the NEC meeting by February 2025 to allow time to address leadership issues and litigations.

“The Forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC latest by the first week of February 2025 to enable consultations with critical stakeholders,” the communique stated.

2. Economic Hardship

The Forum decried the rising economic hardship under the APC-led administration, stating, “We empathize with Nigerians groaning under the oppressive policies of this government. The President must urgently review policies that impact welfare and well-being.”

3. Electoral Integrity

Condemning the alleged manipulation of results in Edo and Ondo elections, the Forum said, “It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in Edo in favor of the APC candidate. We call on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy.”

4. Condolences and Commendations

The Forum commiserated with Plateau and Jigawa states over recent tragedies, including the Katako Market fire and a tanker explosion.

In its closing remarks, the Forum extended gratitude to the government and people of Plateau State for their hospitality and commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the state’s transformation in social services, tourism, and transportation. The communique expressed optimism, stating, “We look forward, with genuine hope, to replicating these achievements nationwide after 2027 when the PDP reclaims its rightful position.”

The meeting was attended by notable party leaders, including Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and deputy governors from Delta and Enugu states.