The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has dismissed criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding its recent meeting in Zamfara State, insisting that the opposition party is only seeking political mileage from a national tragedy.
In a statement issued by the Forum’s Director-General, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo, the PDP-GF said the ADC should have demonstrated empathy by visiting the affected states instead of “playing to the gallery” with press statements.
The controversy followed a statement by the ADC condemning the recent killings in Zamfara and Katsina States, particularly the attack on worshippers. The ADC had also criticized PDP governors for holding a political meeting in Zamfara shortly after the tragic incident, describing the move as “insensitive.”
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, said that instead of rallying around their colleague to confront insecurity, the PDP governors staged what he called a political rally. He added that photographs of the governors “grinning in ceremonial robes” were inappropriate in a state still mourning the massacre of its citizens.
According to Abdullahi, this attitude showed that neither the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the PDP truly cared about Nigerians’ suffering, but were only focused on power and politics.
Reacting, Agbo described the ADC as a “one chance vehicle” party that thrives on politicizing human tragedies.
“Ordinarily, we would not grant them the rare privilege of joining issues. However, our sense of responsibility compels us to correct the misleading impression being forced on the Nigerian public,” Agbo said.
He explained that the Zamfara meeting had been scheduled long before the attack, and at its conclusion, the governors issued a communiqué addressing insecurity and recommending reforms. He stressed that the forum also condemned killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and other states, while commending Zamfara’s efforts in combating insecurity.
Agbo further argued that the PDP had become stronger and more focused since the exit of ADC members, who he claimed were a stumbling block to national unity and harmony.
“The security situation in the country remains a grave concern to PDP governors. It was the central focus of our deliberations, as reflected in our communiqué. That the ADC could not recognize this is unsurprising,” he added.
Agbo concluded by stating that the PDP remained open to reconciliation with ADC members if they “act remorsefully and in genuine repentance,” likening the party’s stance to that of a forgiving father ready to welcome back a prodigal son.
