Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) wrapped up a two-day strategic retreat on Saturday, lending their full support to the recent resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. They described the leadership change as a reflection of the APC’s evolving internal dynamics and commitment to sustained transformation.
The meeting, hosted in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo, brought together 23 APC governors, with Sokoto’s Governor Ahmad Aliyu represented by his deputy, Hon. Idris Gobir-Danchadi.
Delivering the outcome of the gathering, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodinma, affirmed the forum’s endorsement of Ganduje’s exit, stating: “The PGF acknowledged the resignation of the National Chairman of the APC, His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.”
He continued, “The PGF reaffirmed its unshakable belief in a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria. It is committed to working collaboratively to deliver bold reforms, strengthen institutional trust, and accelerate socio-economic development across all geopolitical zones.”
On the economic front, the governors welcomed the boost in federal fiscal transfers and growing investor confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. With many APC-led states recording significant foreign and domestic investment inflows, the forum praised recent efforts to modernize procurement systems, digitize governance, and streamline regulations.
The communiqué noted: “The Forum acknowledges efforts to professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhanced regulatory frameworks. The governors pledged to build on the momentum to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives inter-state competitiveness.”
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, the PGF commended security agencies’ counter-crime efforts and called for deeper collaboration in grassroots intelligence gathering and community policing. They also emphasized the need for better surveillance technology and improved conditions for frontline personnel.
The forum expressed condolences to victims of recent attacks in Benue and Niger States and reiterated support for President Bola Tinubu’s security initiatives, especially in response to the escalating violence in Benue.
A broad review of the country’s security, political, and economic conditions was undertaken during the session, with the governors pledging continued alignment with federal priorities rooted in the principles of constitutional federalism.
On policy direction, the governors applauded the administration’s macroeconomic reforms—including subsidy removal, exchange rate realignment, and debt restructuring—but urged a shift towards equitable prosperity.
“While economic indicators show signs of recovery, growth must be further democratised through expanded investments in food security, job creation, poverty eradication, MSMEs, and social safety nets,” the forum stated.
The PGF reaffirmed the importance of sub-national governments as catalysts for development and pledged to strengthen decentralization efforts, referencing Section 13 of the Constitution that mandates all tiers of government to promote citizen welfare.
Touching on the party’s unity and future direction, the forum celebrated recent high-profile defections into the APC, including lawmakers and political leaders, calling it a vote of confidence in the party’s governance model and the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
To underscore that momentum, the forum formally welcomed Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into the fold, marking a symbolic moment of unity and expanded collaboration.
The governors concluded by urging citizens at home and in the diaspora to support President Tinubu and the APC as the administration works to deliver on its vision for a more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking Nigeria.
