…18 Govs Back Uzodimma Amid Rival Faction Claims
…Tension Rises Ahead Of 2027 Election
Confusion has engulfed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum following reports of a leadership dispute that has reportedly split the body into rival blocs, even as 18 governors on Friday publicly reaffirmed their support for Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as chairman.
The development, which emerged ahead of the 2027 general elections, has sparked renewed concerns over internal cohesion within the party’s top decision-making platform for governors.
...Rival Factions Emerge Amid Leadership Dispute
According to emerging reports, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has become factionalised following claims that Governor Hope Uzodimma was removed as chairman during a meeting held on Thursday.
While Uzodimma has firmly insisted that he remains the legitimate chairman of the forum, a separate bloc reportedly led by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is said to be asserting a different leadership arrangement.
Sources within the party suggested that the disagreement is linked to internal positioning and strategic control ahead of the next electoral cycle, though no official explanation has been provided by any of the parties involved.
The reported split has, however, created uncertainty within the forum, with rival claims of legitimacy now circulating among party stakeholders.
…18 governors back Uzodimma, dismiss ‘change’ rumours
In a swift response aimed at quelling the growing tension, no fewer than 18 APC governors on Friday declared unwavering support for Uzodimma, dismissing reports of his removal as “false, misleading and baseless.”
The governors reached the resolution after a closed-door meeting at the Imo Lodge, where they reaffirmed unity within the forum and passed a vote of confidence in the existing leadership.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, moved a motion endorsing Uzodimma as chairman and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, as his deputy, insisting there was no crisis capable of justifying any leadership change.
“We don’t have any problem to justify what has been speculated. I hereby move a vote of confidence in our chairman and his deputy,” Idris stated.
Governor Sani also dismissed reports of a leadership shake-up, describing them as “unfortunate” and misleading.
“All of us woke up to that very unfortunate story across the media, but the truth is that the Progressive Governors’ Forum is united. We are stronger now than ever,” he said.
He further stressed that the governors remain firmly aligned with the broader objectives of the APC and the administration at the centre.
…Uzodimma reaffirms unity, pledges 2027 support
In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma reiterated that the forum remains united and focused on governance and electoral strategy, particularly in supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
He maintained that there was no leadership vacuum or crisis within the group, insisting that members remain committed to delivering good governance across their respective states.
