Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review his administration’s economic policies, citing the growing hardship faced by Nigerians. The plea was part of an eight-point communiqué issued at the conclusion of a two-day meeting held at the Plateau State Government House in Jos.

Bala Mohammed, chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and governor of Bauchi State, signed and presented the communiqué, expressing empathy for Nigerians enduring economic challenges under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

“The forum empathises with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led federal government,” Mohammed said. “We call on the president to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.”

The governors pledged to continue implementing policies within their states aimed at alleviating the suffering of citizens and ensuring development.

Focus on Party Unity and Reforms

Beyond economic issues, the forum also addressed internal challenges within the PDP, including calls for greater unity and collaboration among members. The party has faced internal crises since 2022, with factions divided over leadership issues, including the tenure of Umar Damagum as acting national chairman.

Mohammed urged the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by February 2025 to address the leadership disputes and litigation plaguing the party.

“The period between November and February will be dedicated to addressing existential problems confronting the party, with a deliberate timeline to resolve leadership and unity concerns,” Mohammed said.

The governors also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the PDP as a platform for democratic governance and promoting electoral integrity and accountability in the broader political landscape.

The PDP Governors’ Forum emphasized its resolve to tackle the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians while working to restore unity and trust within the party.