The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has issued a strong condemnation of what it has termed the excessive militarization of the by-elections held on Saturday, asserting that the electoral process was severely compromised by widespread irregularities, rampant vote buying, and acts of violence. These claims were articulated in a communiqué released following the forum’s meeting in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, on the same day. The PDP governors, representing various states across Nigeria, used this platform to voice their concerns about the state of democracy under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, accusing it of orchestrating deliberate efforts to manipulate the electoral process through intimidation and financial inducement.
According to the communiqué, the APC-led Federal Government is alleged to have employed heavy-handed tactics, including an overwhelming deployment of security forces, to skew the outcome of the by-elections in its favor. The PDP governors argue that this strategy was not only a direct assault on the democratic process but also a reflection of the ruling party’s desperation to maintain power in the face of growing public discontent. The forum’s chairman, Governor Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State, took the opportunity to express gratitude to PDP members and supporters for their steadfast loyalty and resilience during the elections, despite what he described as a challenging and hostile environment.
Governor Muhammad called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their democratic rights in future elections. He emphasized that the PDP, as the leading opposition party, would continue to stand firm against what it perceives as anti-democratic actions perpetrated by the APC. The communiqué underscored the PDP’s commitment to resisting any attempts to undermine the will of the people, portraying the ruling party’s tactics as indicative of a lack of vision and an agenda that is out of touch with the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
The communiqué reads in part: “The PDP Governors’ Forum strongly condemns the over-militarization of the recent by-elections, which were marred by irregularities, vote buying, and violence orchestrated to favor the ruling APC. Such actions are a direct affront to the principles of democracy and an attempt to subvert the will of the people. We call on all Nigerians to remain vigilant in protecting their votes and to resist any attempts to manipulate the electoral process. The PDP remains committed to upholding democratic values and will continue to oppose the anti-democratic tendencies of the APC.”
The governors further highlighted the broader implications of the APC’s governance, accusing it of fostering division and implementing policies that have exacerbated hardship and misery among Nigerians. They contrasted the current state of affairs with what they described as the relative affordability and security experienced under previous PDP-led administrations. The communiqué stated, “The distractions and manipulations witnessed during the by-elections cannot diminish the PDP’s strong grassroots appeal or the growing public yearning for a return to the days of affordable living and relative security under PDP-led governments. We urge our members, supporters, and the entire citizenry to hold fast to the vision and principles of the PDP, despite the increasing intimidation by the government in power.”
The PDP governors also used the communiqué to address the ruling party’s broader political strategy, describing it as a sign of desperation from a party with “no agenda, no vision, and doomed to face inevitable rejection by the masses.” They argued that the APC’s reliance on heavy-handed tactics and electoral manipulation is a reflection of its inability to govern effectively and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people. The forum called on Nigerians to remain resolute in their demand for good governance and to reject the APC’s divisive policies, which they claim have plunged the country into economic hardship and insecurity.
In addition to addressing the by-elections, the PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirmed its commitment to the party’s upcoming national convention, scheduled for November 15. The governors emphasized the importance of the convention as a critical moment for the PDP to consolidate its position as the leading opposition party and a viable alternative to the APC. They urged party members to resist any attempts by “anti-party forces” to derail the convention, stressing that the PDP remains the only democratic institution capable of steering Nigeria back onto the path of good governance and national development.
The communiqué stated, “The PDP Governors’ Forum reaffirms its commitment to the resolutions for the national convention to be held on November 15. We call on all members to remain united and resist any attempts to undermine this important event. The PDP is the only democratic institution with the capacity and vision to restore Nigeria to its rightful place as a prosperous and united nation. We will not allow anti-party forces to derail our collective efforts to rescue Nigeria from the clutches of poor governance.”
The forum also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Zamfara State government, led by one of its members, in addressing insecurity within the state. The governors noted that significant progress had been made in curbing banditry and other forms of criminality in Zamfara, which has been one of the states hardest hit by insecurity in recent years. However, they expressed deep concern about the ongoing violence in other parts of the country, particularly in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue states, where they described the killings as “monstrous.” The forum called on the Federal Government to take more decisive action to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians, accusing it of being unresponsive to the growing insecurity plaguing the nation.
The communiqué further elaborated on the PDP’s vision for Nigeria, emphasizing the party’s commitment to rescuing the country from what it described as the APC’s divisive and ineffective governance. The governors argued that the APC’s policies have deepened poverty, fueled unemployment, and eroded public trust in governance. They contrasted this with the PDP’s track record, which they claim includes a focus on inclusive economic policies, infrastructural development, and national unity. The forum reiterated its belief that the PDP is uniquely positioned to address Nigeria’s challenges and restore hope to its citizens.
In addressing the issue of insecurity, the PDP governors called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture. They argued that the Federal Government’s current approach has been inadequate and reactive, failing to address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. The forum proposed a multi-pronged strategy that includes strengthening security agencies, improving intelligence-gathering capabilities, and addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel unrest. They also called for greater collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to ensure a coordinated response to security challenges.
The PDP Governors’ Forum also used the communiqué to address internal party matters, emphasizing the need for unity and discipline within the PDP. The governors called on party members to put aside personal differences and work together to strengthen the party ahead of the national convention. They stressed that the PDP’s ability to present a united front would be critical to its success in challenging the APC in future elections. The forum also reiterated its commitment to grassroots mobilization, noting that the PDP’s strength lies in its deep connection with ordinary Nigerians.
In a broader appeal to the Nigerian public, the governors urged citizens to remain hopeful and engaged in the democratic process. They emphasized that the PDP is committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, including job creation, affordable healthcare, and access to quality education. The forum also called for greater transparency and accountability in governance, arguing that these principles are essential for rebuilding public trust and ensuring sustainable development.
The communiqué concluded with a renewed call to action for PDP members and supporters. The governors encouraged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party’s ideals and to actively participate in the upcoming national convention. They also urged Nigerians to hold the APC-led Federal Government accountable for its failures and to support the PDP’s vision for a better Nigeria. The forum expressed confidence that, with the support of the Nigerian people, the PDP would emerge stronger and more united, ready to lead the country toward a brighter future.
In summary, the PDP Governors’ Forum’s communiqué reflects a deep concern about the state of democracy in Nigeria, particularly in light of the recent by-elections, which they claim were marred by irregularities and excessive militarization. The governors used the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to the PDP’s principles and to call for greater vigilance among Nigerians in protecting their democratic rights. They also emphasized the importance of the upcoming national convention and the need for unity within the party. Additionally, the forum addressed pressing national issues, such as insecurity and economic hardship, while proposing solutions and calling on the Federal Government to take more decisive action. Through this communiqué, the PDP Governors’ Forum has positioned itself as a vocal and proactive opposition, determined to challenge the APC’s governance and advocate for a better Nigeria.
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