Tinubu Intervenes in Progressives Governors Forum Leadership Crisis

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reaffirmed their confidence in Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, following reports of moves to remove him as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

The development came after President Bola Tinubu reportedly stepped into the crisis that sparked tension within the forum.

At a meeting held in Abuja on Friday, 18 of the 31 APC governors endorsed Uzodimma’s leadership, barely a day after claims emerged that some governors had replaced him with Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.

Governors from Lagos, Kaduna, Borno, Ebonyi, Kogi, Kano, Taraba, Yobe, Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Jigawa, Ondo and Nasarawa were either physically present or represented at the meeting where support for Uzodimma was reaffirmed.

The governors dismissed reports suggesting a division within the PGF, describing them as misleading and unfounded.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who moved the motion for a vote of confidence, maintained that there was no leadership crisis in the forum.

According to him, Uzodimma remains chairman of the forum, while Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, continues as deputy chairman.

Speaking after the meeting, Uba Sani said the APC governors remained united and committed to supporting the party and the administration of President Tinubu.

He stressed that the forum was more cohesive than ever and insisted there was no disagreement among members.

Uzodimma also dismissed speculations of disunity, saying the governors were focused on governance, party primaries and mobilising support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

He stated that APC governors were determined to back the president and ensure the success of his administration through policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Reports on Thursday had claimed that some APC governors, during what was described as an extraordinary meeting, passed a vote of no confidence on Uzodimma and proposed Mbah as his replacement.

The reported meeting allegedly took place shortly after Vice President Kashim Shettima submitted President Tinubu’s nomination forms.

Some governors reportedly linked to the alleged move against Uzodimma included those from Adamawa, Zamfara, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Benue, Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Enugu, Ebonyi, Ogun, Borno, Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi and Kano states.