PDP governments demand credible polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi

On Tuesday, governors elected on the platform of the People's Democratic Party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to establish a high standard of neutrality in the November 11 gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa states , Imo and Kogi.

It was then that they expressed their concern over the growing insecurity in some states of the federation.

In a statement issued after a four-hour inaugural meeting of the PDP Governors Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the governors called the federal government to rise up to its responsibility to make the country safer for Nigerians.

The statement read: "The meeting notes the deterioration of the security situation in the country, in particular the wanton destruction of life and property in Plateau and Zamfara States, among other states.< /p>

"The meeting, therefore, advised the federal government and security agencies to be aware of the situation and bring the situation under control."

On the upcoming off-season gubernatorial elections, the statement read, "The meeting advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the federal government to be neutral in the conduct of the election. off-season elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.

"The meeting resolved to work together and unite the forum, the purpose of which is to provide a platform for peer review of issues, policies, programs and achievements (legacy projects) of member governors in DPP states.

"Meanwhile, the Forum would cooperate with the Federal Government on matters concerning the welfare of Nigerians and good governance while endeavoring to maintain the independence and autonomy of the Forum by offering constructive criticism when needed."

Responding to reporters' questions shortly after the meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed said the issue of the PDP national chairman was an internal matter, noting that the Governors Forum was only a part of the management structure. of the party that would decide on the emergence of a new president.

“The issue of the presidency is the one the party will address. We, the governors of the PDP, have discussed the state of the party, but the question of the substantive president is a party matter. I can also tell you that the reconciliation of aggrieved party members is underway. There is no cause for alarm,” he said.

On the absence of Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara, Bala said an apology had been sent to the forum, adding that there was no need for anyone to read a negative meaning in its absence.

"He sent an apology and that's it. You can see that 12 of the 13 PDP governors attended the meeting. It shows that we are very united as a group," said he added.

Meanwhile, The PUNCH found that Governors agreed to work individually and collectively to strengthen the PDP in their respective states.

A credible source, who was at the meeting, told our correspondent that the governors had agreed to work amicably with their state chapters to guard against the emergence of factions, as evidenced by the preparation of the 2023 general elections.

“The need for robust status chapters was discussed. The governors believe that the lack of unity in some states worked against the PDP, both in the presidential and gubernatorial elections in 2023. They therefore stressed the need to project the party above individual interests.

“Another issue discussed was the need to support party candidates in the three states where gubernatorial elections are scheduled for November,” he said.

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