The Progressive Governors Forum is facing internal turmoil following an alleged failed move by some APC governors to remove Chairman Hope Uzodimma ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has reportedly been thrown into crisis following an alleged failed attempt by a faction of governors to remove its Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma. The development came after Uzodimma appeared alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday to submit President Bola Tinubu’s official nomination forms, reinforcing his position within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, sources said about 20 governors later gathered at the lodge of a southern governor in Abuja in a move aimed at unseating him from the influential position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to sources, the attempt to remove Uzodimma was met with resistance as 18 APC governors publicly declared support for him on Friday by passing a vote of confidence in his leadership. Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Babagana Zulum of Borno and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos were among those reportedly backing him. Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris also dismissed claims of division within the forum, saying, “You can see our Chairman and our Vice Chairman. They are our leaders. We do not have any problem.” Despite the public show of unity, insiders claimed that dissenting governors were lobbying for Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to replace Uzodimma as chairman.
The PGF Secretariat denied reports of any crisis, with Director-General Folorunso Aluko describing the claims as “entirely false and baseless.” However, multiple sources familiar with the development insisted the confrontation took place, with one source stating, “The meeting held. The decision was attempted. What you are seeing now is damage control.” Sources linked the disagreement to political calculations ahead of 2027, including Uzodimma’s alleged support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and concerns among some National Assembly figures over his possible return to the Senate. The Presidency is also said to be worried that a divided PGF could weaken President Tinubu’s re-election efforts amid economic challenges and fears of alienating South-East voters.
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