PDP Governors Forum Hits Back at ADC Over Zamfara Meeting Criticism

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The People’s Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has dismissed as “irresponsible” comments made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its recent meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Director-General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the Forum said the ADC was playing politics with human lives instead of showing empathy to victims of recent attacks in Zamfara and Katsina States.

ADC’s Criticism

The ADC had on Sunday condemned the killings in Zamfara and Katsina, particularly the attack on worshippers, and called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected states.

The party also criticised the PDP governors for holding a political meeting in Zamfara just days after dozens of people were killed, describing the move as “insensitive.”

ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that instead of rallying around their colleague in Zamfara to address insecurity, the PDP governors staged what he called a “political rally” in a grieving community.

According to him, photos of PDP governors “grinning for the camera in ceremonial robes” were out of place in an environment that “still reeks of blood and sorrow.”

PDP Governors’ Response

In response, Agbo described the ADC as a “one chance vehicle” party, alleging that it was seeking cheap political points.

“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.

He stressed that the Zamfara meeting was pre-scheduled and not a spur-of-the-moment gathering, adding that the Forum had extensively deliberated on the nation’s security situation during the session.

Forum’s Position on Security

Agbo noted that the PDP governors’ communique after the meeting addressed insecurity, commending the Zamfara government’s efforts in curbing violence, while also condemning continued killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other states.

He said the Forum urged the federal government to step up efforts in protecting lives and property nationwide.

Call for Unity

Agbo further remarked that the PDP had grown stronger since the ADC’s exit from its fold, accusing the smaller party of previously being “a clog in the wheel of national unity.”

He added that the PDP remained open to reconciliation, stating:

“Like the proverbial forgiving father to the prodigal son, the PDP still has our arms and doors widely open to them if they genuinely act remorsefully in repentance.”