By Ismaeel Aleem
Emma Agu, media consultant to the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for condemning the PDP governors’ recent meeting in Zamfara State, calling the remarks “unfortunate, mischievous, and hypocritical.”
The controversy follows deadly terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s northwest, with over 140 lives lost in Katsina and Zamfara in recent months, underscoring the region’s security crisis.
The PDPGF convened in Gusau, Zamfara’s capital, on August 23, 2025, to discuss national issues, including insecurity.
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The communique, issued under Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership, commended Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal’s anti-banditry efforts while condemning killings in Katsina, Plateau, Niger, and Benue, urging stronger federal action.
However, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi labelled the meeting an “insensitive jamboree,” citing recent attacks, including 30 worshippers killed in Katsina and 47 in Zamfara, some despite ransom payments.
Abdullahi criticised the governors’ photo ops as tone-deaf and called for a state of emergency in the region, slamming the APC-led federal government’s response.
Agu defended the meeting, arguing it was pre-scheduled and allowed governors to show solidarity with Zamfara’s people and Lawal, who has tackled insecurity with resolve.
He praised the governors for travelling together to Gusau despite risks, contrasting this with the APC’s alleged avoidance of crisis zones.
“Postponing the meeting would have been out of place,” Agu wrote, accusing Abdullahi and the ADC of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
He linked the ADC to defectors who left the PDP in 2013 to form the APC, blaming them for Nigeria’s current “security nightmare and economic disaster.”
Agu urged the ADC to apologise for their “selfishness” rather than politicising Zamfara’s pain.
PDPGF Director General Emmanuel Agbo echoed Agu, calling the ADC’s attack “irresponsible” and a bid to exploit human suffering.
He described the ADC as a “one-chance vehicle” and affirmed the PDP’s strengthened resolve post-crisis, positioning it to challenge the APC in 2027.
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Recent reports highlight the ongoing violence, with 24 killed and 144 abducted in Zamfara, fueling calls for solutions over partisan disputes.
Agu reiterated the PDPGF’s commitment to restoring Nigeria’s pre-2015 stability, offering condolences to victims.
