PDP Governors Accuse APC of Economic Mismanagement and Inflicting Hardship on Nigerians

Governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of running down Nigeria’s economy and causing significant hardship for the nation’s citizens. This criticism came during a meeting hosted by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, where the governors expressed their concerns about the APC-led federal government’s performance.

The governors highlighted the long delay in minimum wage negotiations and expressed support for the autonomy granted to Local Government Councils, emphasizing its importance for bringing governance closer to the people. They also criticized the destruction of institutions and developments established during the PDP’s time in power.

In a communique read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the PDP Governors’ Forum addressed several key issues, including:

1. National Hardship and Economic Mismanagement: The governors blamed the APC-led federal government for unprecedented hardship faced by Nigerians and the mismanagement of the economy.
2. Minimum Wage Negotiations: The forum expressed concern over the prolonged negotiations for a minimum wage increase, supporting labor’s demand for a substantial raise while considering the ability to pay by various levels of government.
3. Local Government Autonomy: The forum supported the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, highlighting its role in bringing governance closer to the people.
4. Restoring Nigeria’s Past Glory: The governors lamented the erosion of the development achieved during the PDP’s 16 years in power, citing single-digit inflation, the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and a higher standard of living. They pledged to restore these achievements if returned to power.
5. Crisis in Rivers State: The forum expressed strong support for the Governor of Rivers State and called for a political solution to bring peace to the state.

The meeting also discussed upcoming congresses, off-season elections in Edo and Ondo, and the importance of transparent, fair, and violence-free elections.

Notable attendees included Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Umo Eno (Akwa-Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and the host governor, Peter Mbah. Other prominent figures were Senator Adolphus Wabara, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and Dr. Babangida Aliyu.