The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has responded strongly to criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), defending its recent meeting in Zamfara State and accusing the ADC of politicising the country’s security challenges.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, described the ADC’s remarks as irresponsible and insensitive, particularly regarding the recent attacks in Zamfara.
PDP governors had met in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, over the weekend—days after a deadly wave of attacks in the region. The ADC criticised the timing of the meeting, accusing the PDP of insensitivity and prioritising political interests over the lives of citizens.
“The photos of PDP governors in full ceremonial robes, grinning for the camera, are totally out of place in an environment that still reeks of so much blood and sorrow,” ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said on Sunday. He also called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara.
In response, Agbo defended the PDP’s decision to proceed with the scheduled meeting, stating that the party had long planned the gathering and used the opportunity to address key national concerns, including the security crisis.
“The PDP Governors Forum is focused on solutions, not political opportunism,” Agbo said. “The meeting included discussions on insecurity, and a communique was issued expressing deep concern over killings in Zamfara and other states such as Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue.”
The PDP commended the Zamfara State government for its efforts in addressing security challenges and urged the federal government to step up its response to the growing violence nationwide.
Agbo also took aim at the ADC, referring to its departure from the PDP as a “relief,” and said the PDP has grown stronger and more united since.
“The ADC, with its misplaced sense of entitlement, had become a hindrance to national unity. Their decision to politicise tragedy only reinforces that view,” he added.
He concluded by referencing the biblical parable of the prodigal son, saying, “Like the forgiving father, the PDP still keeps its doors open if the ADC chooses to return with genuine remorse.”
