Governors of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday cautioned against any presidential interference in the forthcoming off-season governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
The governors, at the end of their meeting held in Enugu State, also criticized what they termed the abysmal and lacklustre performance of the APC-led Federal Government.
The PDP governors, under the auspices of the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed disappointment in the administration’s handling of national issues. Additionally, they applauded the governors of PDP-controlled states for their innovative approaches to developmental projects.
The meeting saw 12 out of the 13 PDP governors physically present. They expressed strong support for the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara. The governors also advocated for the swift negotiation of a new minimum wage.
Presenting the communique to the media at the end of the meeting, the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, stated that the governors urged all parties to ensure that campaigns were focused on issues. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a violence-free environment. The governors also called for strict adherence to 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,” the communique read in part.
“The Forum also urges Mr. President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process,” it said.
The governors, while expressing concern over the state of the economy and nation, assured Nigerians that the PDP would return to power in 2027, promising to wipe away their tears and restore the nation’s lost glory.
“Forum notes with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government.
“The Forum regrets that the 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, during which the country witnessed single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living for every Nigerian has been eroded during the life span of the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government.
“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 the greater quality of human life as recorded.
“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,” the communique further said.
The governors expressed displeasure over the prolonged minimum wage negotiation amidst extreme hardship. They urged the Federal Government to expedite action on it, stressing the urgency of resolving this issue promptly.
They commended the host governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for holding the party together not only in Enugu State but also the entire South-East geo-political zone, as well as extolled his virtues and achievements as evidenced with major landmark projects and interventions.
Governors present at the meeting include Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Umo Eno (Akwa-Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and the host, Peter Mbah.
