PDP governors defend unity and condemn ‘over-militarisation’ of bye-elections after Gusau meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum concluded a meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Saturday with a robust communique that praised party supporters, reaffirmed commitment to the November national convention, and issued a stinging critique of recent electoral conduct and national security failings.

The Forum, which met on 23 August 2025, “expresses profound gratitude to members and supporters of the PDP nationwide” and hailed the resilience of party leaders in the face of what it called intimidation by the APC-led federal government, while also re-committing to a united front ahead of the convention.

On security, the governors struck a balanced tone, applauding Zamfara State’s efforts to curb violence even as they condemned “the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country,” and urged the federal government to be more responsive to the protection of citizens.

The communique also condemned what the Forum described as the “over-militarization of the last Saturday’s bye elections characterized by wide spread irregularities, vote buying and violence,” and thanked Zamfara for its hospitality and the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal.

The meeting’s resolutions – covering appreciation to supporters, defence of democratic values, and preparations for the party’s national convention – were signed off by Sen Bala Mohammed as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and list the governors who attended, including H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal (host) and others from Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Oyo, Bayelsa and Osun.