The People’s Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has faulted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its criticism of the forum’s recent meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State.
In a statement on Monday, the forum’s Director-General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, described the ADC’s remarks as “irresponsible,” stressing that the party ought to have shown sympathy to victims of recent attacks in Zamfara and Katsina States rather than “playing to the gallery.”
The ADC had earlier condemned the killings in both states, including the deadly attack on worshippers, and called for a state of emergency to be declared. It also took a swipe at PDP governors for holding their political gathering in Zamfara shortly after the tragedy, labelling the move as insensitive. According to the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the governors’ display in ceremonial attire and group photographs appeared misplaced in a community still grieving.
The party argued that the event reflected a lack of concern for citizens, claiming both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP were more interested in politics than in people’s welfare.
Responding, Agbo dismissed the ADC as a “one-chance vehicle” seeking political gains from human tragedy. He maintained that the PDP governors’ meeting was long scheduled and not intended to trivialise the security challenges in Zamfara.
He further explained that security issues were central to the forum’s deliberations, noting that the governors commended the Zamfara State government’s initiatives to tackle insecurity while also condemning continued violence in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other parts of the country.
Agbo added that the PDP remained stronger since the ADC’s exit, stressing that the forum is committed to national unity and focused on addressing insecurity. He, however, hinted that the PDP’s doors would remain open to ADC members if they chose to return in “genuine repentance”.