The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has strongly condemned the “over-militarization” of the recently conducted 2025 bye-elections.
The Forum said, the bye-elections was characterized by “wide spread irregularities, vote buying and violence” and called on Nigerians to be more wary of protecting their votes.
This was made known via a Communique issued at the conclusion of the 2025/7th PDP Governors’ Forum meeting held at Government House, Gusau, Zamfara State on Saturday 23 August, 2025, signed by Sen Bala Mohammed, Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum/Governor of Bauchi State.
The ‘Umbrella’ Party also condemned the continued “monstrous” killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country, and called on the Federal Government to be more decisive in protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
The Communique reads: “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum held its 2025/7TH Meeting in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The Forum extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the security situation, the erosion of democratic values, as well as ongoing efforts to reposition the party and make adequate preparations for its forthcoming national convention.
“At the end of the meeting, the Forum resolved as follows;
“Appreciation to Party Supporters
“The Forum expresses profound gratitude to members and supporters of the PDP nationwide for their steadfast loyalty in the face of serious intimidation and untold anti-democratic actions of the APC-led Federal Government in the last bye-election.
“Commendation of Party Leadership
“The Forum commends the resilience of PDP leaders and members in overcoming orchestrated defections, stressing that such distractions cannot diminish the party’s strong grassroots appeal or the growing public yearning for the return of affordable living and relative security experienced under PDP-led administrations.
“The Forum urges members and supporters of our Great Party, as well as the entire citizenry, to hold fast to the vision and principles of the PDP, in spite of the growing intimidation of the opposition by the government in power. This sad situation should only be seen as the sign of the desperation of a political party with no agenda, no vision and doomed to face inevitable rejection by the masses.
“Commitment to National Convention
“The Forum reaffirms its full commitment to the resolutions of the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 2025 regarding the November 15 National Convention. It urges members to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces; but to see the PDP as the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development.
“Inclusive Leadership/Defence of Democracy
“The Forum reaffirms its commitment to rescuing our dear country, Nigeria and Nigerians from the divisive governance style of the APC, whose policies have continued to cause more hardship and misery on the people.
“Insecurity and Security Reforms
“The Forum, particularly commends initiatives by the government of Zamfara State in significantly curbing insecurity within the state; but condemns the continued monstrous killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger and Benue States and other parts of the country and calls on the federal government to be more responsive to the lives and properties of the citizenry.
“The August 9, 2025 Nationwide Bye-Election
“The Forum condemns the over-militarization of the last Saturday’s bye elections characterized by wide spread irregularities, vote buying and violence and call on Nigerians to be more circumspect in protecting their votes.
“Appreciation to Zamfara State
“The Forum thanks the Government and people of Zamfara State for not only hosting the 2025/7TH Meeting, but the uncommon hospitality extended to all; and also congratulate Governor Dauda Lawal on his exemplary leadership and notable achievements in infrastructure, health, education, other social services, and security.
“The Forum commiserates with the Government and people of Zamfara State on the passing of the Emir of Gusau, and equally with the Government and people of Oyo State over the recent loss of traditional rulers.
“Governors in Attendance
• H.E. Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) – Chairman of the H.E. Dr.
• Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State)– Host Governor
• H.E. Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State)
• H.E. Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
• H.E Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
• H.E. Sen. Douye Diri (Governor, Bayelsa State)
• H.E. Sen. Ademola Adeleke (Governor, Osun State)”
