The Peoples Democratic Governors’ Forum has strongly criticised what it described as the excessive deployment of security forces during last Saturday’s by-elections, alleging that the polls were marred by widespread irregularities, vote buying, and violence.
The forum, after reviewing national issues at its meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, accused the APC-led government of manipulating the elections through intimidation and inducement.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the forum’s Chairman, Bala Muhammad, who is the governor of Bauchi State, expressed gratitude to members and supporters of the PDP for their loyalty during the polls, urging Nigerians to be vigilant in protecting their votes in future elections.
The communiqué reads: “Such distractions cannot diminish the party’s strong grassroots appeal or the growing public yearning for the return of affordable living and relative security experienced under PDP-led administrations.”
“We urge members and supporters of our great party, as well as the entire citizenry, to hold fast to the vision and principles of the PDP, in spite of the growing intimidation of the opposition by the government in power.
“This sad situation should only be seen as the sign of the desperation of a political party with no agenda, no vision and doomed to face inevitable rejection by the masses.”
Governors Reaffirm November 15 Convention
On the party’s national convention, the forum reaffirmed commitment to the resolutions for it to be held on November 15.
It said:”We urge members to resist all attempts by anti-party forces to derail the November 15 National Convention. The PDP remains the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development.”
The forum reiterated its resolve to rescue Nigeria and its citizens from what it described as the divisive style of governance under the APC, stressing that the ruling party’s policies have only deepened hardship and misery across the country.
It praised the Zamfara State government for its efforts in tackling insecurity within the state but condemned the persistent killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other parts of Nigeria. The forum further urged the federal government to take greater responsibility in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
