APC governors deny leadership crisis, pass vote of confidence on Gov Uzodimma

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state, reaffirming him as chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).

The development followed reports alleging a leadership change within the forum and claims that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu state, had emerged as the new chairman.

Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Imo Lodge on Friday, governors physically present at the meeting dismissed the reports and pledged support for Uzodimma’s leadership.

Governors present at the meeting included those of Ondo, Kaduna, Taraba, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Lagos, Kogi, Kano, Yobe, Kebbi, Benue and Jigawa states. Nasarawa state was represented by its deputy governor.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, moved the motion for the vote of confidence, adding that Uzodimma and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state, remained chairman and deputy chairman of the forum respectively.

His words: “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.”

Speaking afterwards, Governor Sani described reports of division within the forum as “unfortunate”.

He said: “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. We are stronger now than at any other time. And, of course, we are all supporting the President for what he has been doing.

“We also want to assure everyone that the APC is united, the governors are united, the forum is united, and there is no problem at all.”

Governor Uzodimma also dismissed reports of division within the ruling party and said APC governors remained committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu.

His words: “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.

“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. That is, in fact, the resolution we came up with this afternoon.”