Enugu, Plateau Governors Absent as PDP Leaders Meet in Zamfara

Two key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors — Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau — were missing on Monday as their colleagues converged on Gusau, Zamfara State, for the Forum’s seventh strategic meeting.

While no official reason was given for their absence, the session went ahead with Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and host governor Dauda Lawal in attendance.

The meeting focused on reports from the National Zoning Committee, the Constitution Review Committee, and preparations for the PDP’s November 15 National Convention. The governors also reviewed the political situation in the country, the recent bye-elections, and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In their communiqué, the Forum hailed PDP supporters for their “steadfast loyalty in the face of intimidation and anti-democratic practices allegedly perpetrated by the APC-led Federal Government during the last bye-election.”

They reaffirmed full backing for the resolutions of the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) held in July 2025, urging members to “resist attempts to derail the convention,” and insisting that the PDP remains “the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria on the path of good governance and development.”

On security, the governors praised Zamfara for initiatives that have curbed crime but condemned “continued killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other states.” They also criticized what they called “the over-militarization of the bye-elections,” alleging irregularities, vote buying, and violence.

The Forum concluded by commending Governor Lawal’s achievements in infrastructure, health, education, social services, and security, while also condoling with the people of Zamfara on the death of the Emir of Gusau and with Oyo over the loss of traditional rulers.