Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have vowed to resist attempts to derail the party’s forthcoming national convention, even as they condemned rising insecurity and alleged democratic backsliding under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) made this resolution at the end of its 7th meeting for 2025, held on Saturday at Government House, Gusau, Zamfara State.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, said it extensively deliberated on national security, the erosion of democratic values, and preparations for the November 15 national convention.

The governors expressed deep appreciation to PDP members and supporters nationwide for their resilience in the face of what they described as “serious intimidation and anti-democratic actions” by the APC-led federal government during the August 9 bye-elections.

They also commended party leaders for withstanding orchestrated defections, stressing that such distractions could not diminish the PDP’s grassroots appeal or Nigerians’ desire for affordable living and improved security.

“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,” the communiqué read.

The Forum reaffirmed its support for the resolutions of the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in July, particularly as regards the November 15 national convention.

It called on members to remain steadfast and resist “anti-party forces” bent on derailing the process, describing the PDP as “the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria on the path of good governance and development.”

On insecurity, the governors commended Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for his administration’s strides in tackling insecurity in the state. However, they condemned what they termed “monstrous killings” in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue States, urging the federal government to prioritize the safety of citizens.

They also faulted the alleged militarization of the August 9 bye-elections, which they claimed were marred by irregularities, vote buying, and violence.

The Forum thanked the government and people of Zamfara State for their hospitality in hosting the meeting and praised Governor Lawal’s achievements in infrastructure, education, health, and security.

It also commiserated with the people of Zamfara over the passing of the Emir of Gusau and extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State on the loss of traditional rulers.

The meeting was attended by Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Governor Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa), and Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun).