PDP governors defend their Zamfara meeting against ADC’s political attack, emphasizing focus on national security and condemning rising violence in Nigeria
PDP governors defend Zamfara meeting following sharp criticism from the African Democratic Congress over holding a political gathering in the wake of deadly attacks in the state.
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The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum responded firmly to accusations that the meeting was insensitive to the victims of recent insecurity in Zamfara.
The forum’s Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, condemned the ADC’s statement as a cynical politicization of human lives.
“Playing politics and trying to gain political capital with human lives isn’t our stock in trade as is characteristic of the ADC,” Agbo said in a Monday statement.
The PDP governors convened in Gusau, Zamfara’s capital, just days after tragic attacks that claimed numerous lives in the region.
ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, had urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.
Abdullahi also accused the PDP of lacking empathy, calling the governors’ meeting “a political rally at the scene of mass murder.”
“The photos of PDP governors in full ceremonial robes, grinning for the camera is totally out of place in an environment that still reeks of so much blood and sorrow,” the ADC lamented.
But the PDP Governors’ Forum emphasized that the meeting was planned well in advance and was not a reactionary event.
“The meeting extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the security situation, amongst other critical issues of national interest,” the forum stated.
“It commends Zamfara State’s efforts in curbing insecurity but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other parts of the country.”
The forum reiterated its commitment to tackling Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, which was a central focus of their discussions.
It also criticized the ADC for what it described as divisive behavior and a “huge clog to the wheel of national unity and harmony.”
“Since their exit, the PDP has become much more formidable, focused, and determined to stay on course,” the statement added.
In a final message, the PDP extended an olive branch to the ADC, likening their political departure to a prodigal son and inviting them to return if they genuinely seek unity.
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The forum’s firm rebuttal highlights the continuing tensions between Nigeria’s political parties amidst growing security challenges.
