Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defended their recent meeting in Zamfara State, dismissing criticism from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and accusing the opposition party of politicising the issue of insecurity.
The PDP Governors’ Forum, in a statement issued on Sunday after its strategy session in Gusau, said the meeting was convened to review the state of the nation, particularly the security challenges confronting many northern states, and to explore practical solutions that would complement federal efforts.
Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, stressed that the choice of Zamfara as the venue was deliberate, given its status as one of the states worst affected by banditry and rural violence. He said it was important for leaders to “show solidarity, listen directly to affected communities, and chart a course towards lasting peace.”
“The insinuation by the ADC that our meeting was politically motivated is not only false but also irresponsible,” Mohammed declared. “Security is a national concern that transcends political party lines. Our gathering was about solutions, not politics.”
The governors further accused the ADC of attempting to trivialise a serious matter for cheap political points, insisting that insecurity should never be reduced to partisan rhetoric.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, who hosted the meeting, also weighed in, explaining that the session allowed his colleagues to assess security interventions on the ground and propose a coordinated framework for community engagement, intelligence sharing, and improved collaboration with security agencies.
“Our people are under siege, and we cannot afford distractions,” Lawal said. “What Zamfara needs right now is genuine partnership and empathy, not needless politicisation.”
The Forum reiterated its commitment to working with the Federal Government, traditional rulers, and local communities in restoring peace across troubled areas.
Political analysts, however, observed that the exchange between the PDP governors and the ADC underscores the rising tension among opposition parties over how best to position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, where insecurity is likely to remain a defining issue.
