PDP Governors Hit Back At ADC Over Zamfara Meeting

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has defended its meeting in Zamfara State, accusing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of exploiting insecurity for political gain.

The forum’s Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, in a statement on Monday, said the meeting held in Gusau between Friday and Saturday had long been scheduled and was not a political rally, as alleged by the ADC. He maintained that the PDP has grown stronger and more focused since some of its members left for the ADC.

The controversy followed deadly attacks in Zamfara days before the gathering. On Sunday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi criticised the PDP governors for holding a political meeting in a state still mourning, accusing them of insensitivity and calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.

ADC condemned the governors for “grinning in ceremonial robes” at a time when residents were still reeling from killings, describing the move as disrespectful to victims.

Reacting, the PDP Governors Forum described the ADC’s statement as “irresponsible,” insisting that its meeting addressed critical national issues, including insecurity. It said the communique from Zamfara specifically commended the state government’s efforts in tackling insecurity while also condemning killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other parts of the country.

The forum added that the ADC should have shown empathy by visiting victims rather than “playing to the gallery.” It also dismissed the ADC as a “clog to national unity” in the past but said the party remains open to reconciliation if the ADC “acts with genuine remorse.”

The governors stressed that insecurity remains their top concern, noting it dominated their discussions in Zamfara.