Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Governor
Confusion and political speculation have continued to trail the leadership of the Progressive Governors Forum following reports of an alleged leadership shake-up within the group, despite a strong public show of support for its chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.
The controversy began after reports emerged on Thursday night claiming that members of the forum had moved to replace Uzodimma as chairman of the body made up of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The reports generated widespread reactions within political circles and triggered speculation about possible divisions among governors of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adding to the confusion were claims suggesting that the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, had allegedly emerged as the new leader of the forum. The development immediately fuelled rumours of internal disagreements and an ongoing power struggle within the APC governors’ bloc.
However, the Progressive Governors Forum quickly dismissed the reports, insisting that no leadership change had taken place. In a statement issued by the Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, the organisation described the claims as false, misleading and completely unfounded.
“The attention of the Progressive Governors Forum has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in some media platforms alleging the removal of its Chairman, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma,” the statement read.
The forum stressed that no meeting had been convened where such a decision was discussed or adopted, maintaining that Uzodimma remains the duly recognised chairman of the group.
In a move widely interpreted as a strategic political response to the rumours, 18 APC governors loyal to Uzodimma gathered at the Imo Lodge for a closed-door meeting on Friday. The gathering was seen as a deliberate effort to project unity and stability within the ruling party amid mounting speculation of internal cracks.
At the end of the meeting, the governors unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Uzodimma and reaffirmed their support for his continued leadership of the forum. The action effectively dismissed claims of factionalisation or disunity within the governors’ bloc.
Governors present at the meeting included those from Ondo, Kaduna, Taraba, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Lagos, Kogi, Kano, Yobe, Kebbi, Benue and Jigawa states, while Nasarawa State was represented by its deputy governor. The Governor of Taraba State reportedly attended briefly before leaving after a short interaction with the host governor.
Moving the motion for the vote of confidence, Nasir Idris reaffirmed that Uzodimma remains the legitimate chairman of the forum, while Uba Sani continues to serve as deputy chairman.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Idris dismissed the rumours of crisis within the forum.
“We don’t have any problem to justify what they have said. So, I want to seize this opportunity to move a vote of confidence in our chairman and his deputy,” he stated.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also rejected reports of internal conflict, insisting that the APC governors remain united and fully committed to supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“What I can say here is that all of us woke up to that very unfortunate story, which was virtually in all the media in Nigeria. But the truth of the matter is that the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum is very united,” Uba Sani said.
“We are stronger now than at any other time. And, of course, we are all supporting the President for what he has been doing.”
Governor Uzodimma also addressed the issue personally, dismissing claims of division and reaffirming the governors’ commitment to party unity, governance and electoral success ahead of 2027.
“Governors of the All Progressives Congress are united and resolved to support the President and ensure that he emerges successfully in the upcoming elections in January 2027,” he said.
He further explained that the forum had resolved to intensify governance efforts across APC-controlled states by focusing on development projects, social interventions and policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.
“So, we have decided to work harder, look after our people, demonstrate performance, and provide all the necessary social interventions that will make Nigerians happy,” Uzodimma added.
Political observers say the controversy highlights growing political manoeuvring within the ruling party as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually intensify. Analysts believe that despite public displays of unity, competition for influence and strategic positioning among party stakeholders may continue to shape internal dynamics within the APC in the coming months.
