Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reassess his administration’s economic policies to ease the growing hardships faced by Nigerians. The appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of a two-day meeting held on Saturday, November 24, at the Plateau State Government House in Jos. Economic Challenges and Policy Review The communiqué, signed by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, highlighted the governors’ concern over the severe economic difficulties brought on by the policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government. “The forum empathises 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 forum calls on the president to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians,” the communiqué stated. The governors also pledged their commitment to implementing policies and programs within their states to reduce hardship and promote development. Commitment to Party Unity The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the PDP, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BOT), National Assembly Forum, Former Ministers’ Forum, and other party leaders. Addressing concerns about perceived divisions within the party, the communiqué affirmed the governors’ dedication to fostering unity: “The forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders, and members of our great party over seeming divisions within the ranks. We remain resolute in our determination to ensure unity and cohesion in this great Party that Nigerians trust as the best platform for democratic governance.” To strengthen internal cohesion, the governors urged the NWC to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by February 2025 to address leadership issues, legal challenges, and other pressing matters. Condemnation of Electoral Irregularities The governors expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as “electoral irregularities” during recent elections in Edo and Ondo states. “The forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in the Edo elections, where INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate despite the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, winning the majority of lawful votes. Similarly, in Ondo, the APC openly bought votes and manipulated results.” They called on the judiciary to protect Nigerian democracy and urged the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws to curb malpractices. Moving Forward The PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and its role as a credible opposition, promising to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians amidst the prevailing economic challenges. READ ALSO:
