The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum held its 7th meeting on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. The meeting was attended by key organs of the party, including the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BOT), PDP Governors’ Forum, National Assembly Forum, Former Governors’ Forum, and Former Ministers’ Forum.
Notably absent was Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, whose absence raised questions among party faithful.
In the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the Forum addressed various critical issues facing the party and the nation:
- Unity and Cohesion: The Forum acknowledged concerns about divisions within the party’s ranks but reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity and cohesion, calling for collective effort to uphold the party’s reputation as Nigeria’s trusted platform for democratic governance.
- Postponement of NEC Meeting: The Forum accepted the postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to empathize with Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State, who recently lost his wife. The Forum extended its condolences to Governor Bassey and his family.
- Call for February NEC Meeting: The Forum urged the NWC to convene the NEC meeting no later than the first week of February 2025, emphasizing the need for consultations to address leadership and litigation issues facing the party.
- Economic Hardship: The Forum expressed empathy with Nigerians suffering under the economic policies of the APC-led Federal Government and called for a review of macroeconomic and fiscal policies to alleviate the hardship.
- Electoral Malpractices: Condemning alleged manipulations in the Edo and Ondo elections, the Forum called on the judiciary and National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws and safeguard democracy.
- Legislative Fairness: Commending the efforts of the majority PDP members in the National Assembly, the Forum urged critical examination of all bills to ensure fairness and equitable development.
- Condolences: The Forum commiserated with the governments and people of Plateau and Jigawa states over recent tragedies, including the Katako market fire and a tanker explosion, respectively.
The Forum also expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State for their hospitality and lauded the state’s visible achievements in social services, tourism, and transportation.
Signed by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, the communiqué concluded with a commitment to reclaiming the party’s position as Nigeria’s leading political force by 2027.
Governor Fubara’s absence was noted, though no official explanation was provided during the meeting.
