PDP Govs Demand INEC’s Neutrality In Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo Polls

Governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to be neutral in the conduct of the November 11, 2023, governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.

They also pledged to provide fair opposition by cooperating with the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government on issues bordering on good governance and the welfare of Nigerians.

In a communique after their inaugural meeting in Abuja yesterday under the leadership of its new chairman and Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, the forum, however, said it would strive to maintain its independence and autonomy, though offering constructive criticisms where necessary.

 “In the interim, the Forum would cooperate with the federal government on issues concerning the welfare of Nigerians and good governance while striving to maintain the independence and autonomy of the Forum through offering constructive criticisms where necessary,” the communique said.

While they urged urgent action to address what they called the deteriorating security situation in the country, the PDP governors

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The resolve of the PDP governors to work with Tinubu comes in spite of their party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s petition at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

Atiku recently closed his case at the tribunal where he is seeking the annulment of Tinubu’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and his declaration as winner of the February 28 presidential election.

Also, some former governors of the party, including Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ayo Fayose have openly identified with the Tinubu-led administration.

There are indications that some of them might get appointments in the current administration.

They, however, decried the deteriorating security situation in the country especially the wanton destruction of lives and properties in Plateau and Zamfara States amongst other states, and advised the federal government and security agencies to rise to the situation and bring the situation under control.

According to the communique, the governors also resolved to work together and unite the Forum.

“The aim of the Forum is to provide a platform for peer review of issues, policies, programmes and achievements (legacy projects) of member-governors across the PDP States.

“The meeting advised INEC the security agencies, and the federal government to be neutral in the conduct of the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states,” it added.

Besides Mohammed who chaired the meeting, other governors at the gathering are Governors Bassey Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State), Sen. Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Oluseyi Makinde (Oyo), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Kefas Agbu (Taraba) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara).