The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has expressed deep concern over the current state of the nation, attributing the unprecedented hardship faced by Nigerians to the policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

The Forum’s statement came after a critical meeting held in Enugu, where key national issues were discussed extensively.

The PDP Governors criticized the prolonged negotiations on the new minimum wage.

Senator Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, said: “The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted in the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of the people.

“Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and commands the support of this forum.”

The Forum called on the Federal Government and organised labour to expedite the negotiation process while considering the ability to pay by the sub-nationals, the Federal Government, and the third tier of government.

They also urged restraint from actions that could disrupt law and order or lead to economic collapse.

The PDP Governors aligned with the recent Supreme Court ruling on the autonomy of local governments.

“We express faith in the local government system as the closest tier of government to the people and pledge to uphold its autonomy,” the communique read.

The Forum lamented the deterioration in Nigeria’s economic and social standards under the APC-led administration.

The 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, which saw single-digit inflation, the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and higher living standards, have been eroded under the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government,” the Governors stated.

The PDP Governors expressed their support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, amid the political crisis in the state.

They committed to resolving the issue through political solutions and other measures to ensure unity and minimal friction within the party.

The Forum emphasized the need for internal pro-democracy measures that are inclusive, transparent, fair, and compliant with the party’s Constitution.

They called on all political parties involved in the off-season elections in Edo and Ondo states to conduct issue-based and violence-free campaigns.

The PDP Governors urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for transparent and fair elections.

They also called on President Bola Tinubu to refrain from making statements that could interfere with the electoral process.

In attendance were 12 Governors of the PDP: Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Umoh Eno (Akwa-Ibom), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Peter Mbah (Enugu), and Osun State Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi.

Also present were the Chairman of the party, its BoT, the former Chairman of PDP Governors, the Chairman of the Senate Caucus, the Chairman of the former Ministers’ Forum, and the Chairman of the 36 state chapters of the party