Defections Cannot Weaken Our Grassroots Support

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By Odekunle Doyin

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has insisted that defections from the party cannot shake its deep-rooted support across Nigeria.

The declaration came on Saturday after a closed-door meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State, chaired by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Reaffirmation of NEC Resolutions

The forum reaffirmed its loyalty to the resolutions of the PDP’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in July 2025, particularly regarding preparations for the party’s National Convention fixed for November 15.

Governor Mohammed stressed that the party must resist any attempts to derail the convention, describing the PDP as the only viable democratic alternative to rescue Nigeria.

“We must resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces and continue to see the PDP as the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria on the path of good governance and national development,” he said.

Focus on Nation’s Challenges

The governors revealed that they deliberated extensively on pressing national issues, including rising insecurity, economic hardship, and the erosion of democratic values.

They also evaluated the party’s position ahead of the 2025 convention and mapped out strategies to reposition the PDP as a stronger opposition force.

Unshaken by Defections

Despite waves of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP governors maintained that the party’s grassroots structures remain intact and formidable.

“Orchestrated defections and distractions cannot diminish our party’s strong grassroots appeal. The growing public yearning for the return of affordable living and relative security experienced under PDP-led administrations will soon bounce back,” Mohammed said.

Reaction to By-Elections

The forum expressed displeasure over the outcome of recent by-elections, alleging anti-democratic practices, but commended PDP supporters for standing firm in the face of intimidation.

“We appreciate PDP supporters nationwide for their steadfast loyalty in the face of intimidation and anti-democratic actions by the APC-led federal government,” the chairman added.

Criticism of APC Governance

The PDP governors accused the APC of running a divisive and incompetent administration, worsening the economic hardship and insecurity faced by Nigerians.

They assured that the PDP would remain committed to rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring hope to Nigerians.

Governors in Attendance

Those present at the Gusau meeting included Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and the Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo.