Governors back APC national leadership, rules out rezoning
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved to retain the party’s current national leadership, ruling out any move to rezone key positions.
The decision was reached in the early hours of Monday after a meeting that ended at about 1:45 a.m. in Lagos.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said the governors agreed that there was no justification for altering the party’s leadership structure while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains in office.
According to him, the meeting also reviewed developments in Iran and their potential implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly in relation to global energy and supply chains.
Also reflected in their communiqué issued at the end of the meeting signed by Uzodimma, the forum said it deliberated on national development, the responsibilities of state leadership, and the role of progressive governors in translating federal reforms into tangible benefits for citizens.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to democratic stability, principled governance, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
They disclosed that prior to the meeting, members paid a visit to the President, where discussions centred on security, economic reforms, social welfare, infrastructure development, food systems, and strengthening cooperative federalism.
“The forum noted that the President’s recent visit to the United Kingdom formed part of broader security and development diplomacy and welcomed his assurance of continued international engagement to tackle security challenges and advance development priorities,” the communiqué stated.
The governors also expressed appreciation for the President’s “openness, clarity of purpose, and commitment to building a stronger federation.”
On national issues, the forum undertook a review of the political, economic and security environment, noting that reforms often come with challenges but are necessary for long-term stability and growth.
It stressed the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments, particularly in critical sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare and education, while maintaining the autonomy of states.
On the economy, the forum acknowledged the hardship associated with ongoing reforms but emphasised that their success should ultimately be measured by improvements in the living conditions of Nigerians.
It warned that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region could worsen inflationary pressures and increase production costs, urging coordinated efforts to boost food production, support small businesses and expand social intervention programmes.
The governors also reiterated that security remains central to national development, calling for sustained investment in intelligence, technology, border control and community-based early warning systems.
On party matters, the forum pledged loyalty to the APC and commended the peaceful conduct of its ward, local government and state congresses nationwide, describing them as evidence of growing internal democracy and institutional maturity.
It, however, cautioned against complacency, urging party leaders to remain committed to unity, discipline and service delivery.
The forum concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain committed to the democratic process and support efforts aimed at building a more secure, inclusive and prosperous country.
The meeting was attended by 24 APC governors while the deputy Governor of Kaduna state was present to represent her boss.
