PDP Governors Criticize Tinubu’s Leadership, Vow to Reclaim Nigeria’s Future
In a powerful and united front, state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to deliver good governance, impoverishing the populace, and exacerbating Nigeria’s economic woes.
During a significant meeting held at the Enugu State Government House, chaired by Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Senator Bala Mohammed, the PDP leaders expressed their commitment to reclaiming leadership across Nigeria, including the presidency. They emphasized the urgency of rescuing the nation from what they described as a drift into anarchy.
Governor Mohammed, in his opening remarks, highlighted the deteriorating state of the nation under the All-Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government, stating, “Actions at the national level have shown that we are drifting to anarchy, and we cannot allow this.” He further underscored PDP’s vision to restore the country to an era of low inflation, affordable living costs, and a strong currency.
The meeting provided a platform for the governors to share strategic ideas on rejuvenating the party and presenting a credible alternative to Nigerians yearning for positive change. Mohammed emphasized, “This meeting is very unique and auspicious because we are here to showcase our history as a party. We have been leading in this country as a party. We have all the structures established before the commencement of the APC administration.”
A key highlight of the communique issued at the end of the meeting was a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparent and fair off-season governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. The governors vowed to resist any attempt to undermine the election process and called on President Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by not interfering.
In a show of solidarity with organized labor, the PDP governors voiced their support for a substantial increase in the minimum wage. However, they urged restraint in actions and utterances that could lead to societal unrest and economic disruption.
The governors also lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments, committing to support any move that brings governance closer to the people. “The forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system, which ensures that governance is brought closer to the people, as provided for in the constitution,” the communique stated.
Reflecting on the internal dynamics of the PDP, the governors called for inclusive, transparent, and fair congresses leading to the election of party leaders. They stressed the importance of adhering to the party’s constitution to ensure successful conduct across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Addressing the crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the party, the forum pledged to support Governor Sim Fubara and engage in wider consultations with stakeholders to find a lasting solution.
The meeting, hosted by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, was attended by an impressive array of PDP governors and party leadership, including those from Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Oyo, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, Adamawa, Bayelsa, and the host state, Enugu. The assembly also featured prominent party figures such as the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former governors Ahmed Makarfi and Babangida Aliyu.
As the PDP gears up for the upcoming elections and internal party processes, the governors’ resolute stance and strategic vision underscore their determination to reclaim Nigeria's leadership and steer the nation towards a more prosperous and stable future.