Elder statesman Edwin Clark has demanded the immediate suspension of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), accusing it of deviating from its founding principles. In an open letter released on January 13, 2025, Clark described the NGF as a “notorious cabal” that prioritizes political power over public service, undermining democratic institutions in the process.
Clark argued that the Forum, initially created to foster cooperation among state governors, has become a tool to stifle legislative independence and local government autonomy. He criticized governors for reducing state assemblies to rubber stamps for their administrations and using Senate seats as retirement plans rather than platforms for independent governance. “The NGF was meant to bridge tiers of government but now undermines constitutional order,” he stated.
Despite his scathing critique, Clark expressed optimism about the Forum’s potential for reform. He urged for its transformation into a body that genuinely promotes public interest and strengthens Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing that meaningful change could restore its original purpose as a unifying force.