Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have set a February 2025 deadline for the National Working Committee to convene a National Executive Council meeting.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, after an extraordinary session held in Jos, Plateau State, the governors expressed their willingness to accept the postponement of the NEC meeting. The delay was in solidarity with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Eno Bassey, who recently lost his wife.
Governor Mohammed stated, “The Forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the Party in empathy with our colleague, Governor Eno Bassey, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC. Once again, the Forum wishes to commiserate with our colleague and pray that God will grant him and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The meeting, held at the Plateau State Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, was attended by principal organs of the party, including the NWC, PDP-GF, BOT, NASS Forum, Former Governors Forum, Former Ministers’ Forum, and other key stakeholders.
Resolutions of the Forum
The communiqué outlined several resolutions reached during the meeting:
1. Unity and Cohesion:
The governors acknowledged concerns over perceived divisions within the party but reaffirmed their commitment to unity and cohesion, which they described as crucial to maintaining the trust Nigerians have in the PDP.
2. Deadline for NEC Meeting:
The Forum advised the NWC to convene the NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025. This timeline is intended to allow for consultations with critical stakeholders and address leadership and legal issues within the party.
3. Addressing Economic Challenges:
The governors expressed empathy for Nigerians grappling with economic hardships under the APC-led Federal Government. They urged the President to review macroeconomic and fiscal policies to alleviate citizens’ suffering.
4. Election Integrity:
The Forum condemned alleged electoral manipulation in the Edo governorship elections, claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission favoured the APC candidate over the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo. They also raised concerns about similar irregularities in the Ondo elections.
“The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to prevent institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”
5. National Assembly Bills:
The governors commended the National Assembly for its efforts and urged members to scrutinise all bills to ensure fairness, equity, and national balance.
6. Condolences:
The Forum commiserated with the Plateau State Government over the Katako Market fire and with Jigawa State following a tragic tanker explosion that claimed several lives.
The governors praised the Plateau State Government for hosting the meeting and lauded its efforts in transforming the state’s social services, tourism, and transportation sectors. Governor Mohammed added that the PDP looks forward to reclaiming its position in Nigerian politics by 2027.
The meeting was attended by:
– Governors: Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).
– Deputy Governors: Sir Monday Onyeme (Delta) and Ifeanyi Ossai (Enugu).
The PDP Governors Forum reaffirmed its commitment to restoring stability within the party and ensuring that the PDP continues to serve as a platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.