PDP Governors Urge Tinubu to Revisit Economic Policies Amid Rising Hardship

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider Nigeria’s macroeconomic and fiscal policies, citing growing economic challenges faced by citizens. The call was made during a meeting in Jos, Plateau State, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Economic Hardship and Policy Review

The forum expressed concerns over the adverse effects of recent policies implemented by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have significantly increased the cost of living.

In a statement, Governor Mohammed said:

“The forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship imposed by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government. We urge the president to urgently review macroeconomic and fiscal policies to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians.”

Commitment to Reducing Hardship

The PDP governors pledged to focus on implementing policies at the state level to alleviate economic difficulties, ensuring progress and development within their jurisdictions.

Concerns Over Electoral Integrity

The forum also condemned the conduct of recent gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States, describing the processes as a “rape of democracy.”

Highlighting perceived irregularities in Edo, the governors accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating results in favor of the APC candidate. They also pointed to vote-buying and alleged tampering in Ondo.

“The forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and urges the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws to safeguard the will of the people,” Mohammed said.

Call for PDP NEC Meeting

Addressing internal party matters, the governors called on the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by February 2025. This, they believe, will facilitate consultations with key stakeholders and resolve ongoing leadership issues within the party.

Forum Attendance

Governors from Bauchi, Zamfara, Taraba, Adamawa, Oyo, and Plateau attended the meeting, while deputy governors represented Delta and Enugu states. Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Osun governors were absent.

The forum emphasized its dedication to ensuring democratic principles are upheld and the well-being of Nigerians remains central to governance.