The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has expressed strong concerns over the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government’s alleged mismanagement of the economy.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Enugu on Wednesday, the 13 governors of the main opposition party condemned the government’s economic policies, which they believe have led to widespread hardship among Nigerians.
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, presented the communiqué after the four-hour meeting, highlighting the key issues discussed. These included matters of critical national interest, the state of the party ahead of the forthcoming congress, the dire economic situation facing most Nigerians due to the APC-led government’s poor performance, the minimum wage negotiations, and inter-governmental relations, with a focus on local government autonomy and funding.
The governors also declared their support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its advocacy for a new minimum wage, emphasising the need for a more equitable and just economic framework that benefits all Nigerians.
Governor Mohammed stated that after thorough discussions and consultations, the PDP Governors’ Forum expressed “profound dismay and grave concern” over the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government.
The governors urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take immediate action to restore the nation’s former glory, lamenting that the significant progress made during the 16 years of PDP leadership – including single-digit inflation, establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and improved standards of living – had been eroded under the APC-led government.
“The Forum identified with the struggles of the Nigerian people and pledged to revive the past achievements, characterized by low inflation, affordable food, fuel, and transportation, steady foreign direct investment, a strong naira value, and enhanced quality of life.
“The meeting commended PDP-controlled state governors for their innovative governance approaches, particularly in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, women and youth initiatives, and timely delivery of developmental projects across the country.”
The governors reiterated their commitment to good governance and promised to work tirelessly to address the current economic challenges and restore the nation’s prosperity. They emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in economic management and a return to the policies and programs that had previously yielded positive results.
“The forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.”
On the off season elections, in Edo and Ondo states, the forum called on President Tinubu to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.
The governors admonished all the parties to the elections to ensure that campaigns are issues-based and devoid of violence and in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.
“The forum urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and unimpeachable elections as any act of bias will be totally resisted.”
On the upcoming congresses of the party, the governor insisted that congresses leading to the election of party leaders, at the various tiers, must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in strict compliance with the constitution of the party.
The forum reminded party members that the founding fathers of the party, adopted internal democracy as the fundamental principle upon which PDP was built.
On the minimum wage, the PDP Governors Forum stated that the minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted, considering the unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of majority of Nigerian people.
The communique partly read: “That Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the Forum
“While the Forum fully supports Labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government.
“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy.”
On the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy, the governor expressed their support, adding that efficacy of the local government system will ensures that governance is brought closer to the people as provided for in the constitution.
However, the Forum urges that implementation of the court decision “must be done in a manner that does not create a trust deficit between the federal governments and sub-national governments while also ensuring that the system does not suffer.”
On the crisis in the Rivers State Chapter of the party, the forum expressed commitment to ensure that peace prevail.
“The Forum has resolved to stand by His Excellency, Sir Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State; while at the same time employ wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises.”
The meeting was attended by “Governors Bala Mohammed– Bauchi State and Chairman, Siminalayi Fubara –Rivers State and Vice Chairman, Peter Mba of Enugu State, Ahmadu Fintiri – Adamawa State, Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State; Douye Diri – Bayelsa State; Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State; Godwin Obaseki – Edo State; Seyi Makinde – Oyo State; Caleb Mutfwang – Plateau State; Agbu Kefas – Taraba State and Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State.
