BAUCHI, Nigeria – Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has been elected as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors’ Forum, while Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State emerged as the Vice Chairman.
Their elections occurred on Saturday, June 3, 2023, during a retreat for elected PDP officials held at the Banquet Hall, Government House in Bauchi State.
Mohammed replaces the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, as Chairman of the Forum. Makinde was also present at the one-day retreat on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
In his opening remarks at the retreat, the acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, emphasized the importance of unity for the opposition party. He stated, “In order to remain relevant, we must work together as one family.
That’s the only way you’ll be able to ensure that your relevance is being determined.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was also present at the event, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy without providing alternatives. He described the move as a “knee-jerk policy”.
Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the February 25 poll, recounted the PDP government’s methodical approach to subsidy removal between 1999 and 2007.
He highlighted that it was done in two phases and palliatives were provided for those most affected by the removal.
“We have the experience as a party in government. That is what we would have done and not just announced subsidy removal without discussion with the affected sectors of the economy,” he stated, adding, “I think Nigerians should appreciate what they have temporarily lost.”
