Why APC Governors Are Moving Against Uzodinma

Fresh information has emerged on why some governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) are moving against Governor Uzodimma of Imo State, as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). The Forum comprises all governors of the APC.

It was gathered that about 20 of the governors met in Abuja, on Thursday night and decided that Governor Uzodinma be removed as chairman of the PGF. Sources privy to the meeting held by the governors told our correspondent that they were no longer comfortable with Uzodimma’s leadership style. The sources further alleged that the governors challenged the way he has been managing the Forum’s resources.

It was gathered that the governors held a hybrid meeting both physically and virtually. It was further gathered that the governors decided to replace Uzodimma with Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

However, the Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Folorunsho Aluko, denied Uzodimma’s alleged removal in a statement on Friday morning.

He stated: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Progressive Governors Forum states categorically that the report of Uzodinma’s removal is entirely false, baseless, and without an iota of truth”.

Meanwhile, on Friday, there was a twist to the development as Governor Uzodimma held a press conference during which a vote of confidence was passed on him by no fewer than 20 governors at a meeting held in Abuja.

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Briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting in Abuja, the governors declared their unwavering support for Uzodimma’s leadership.

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, moved the motion for a vote of confidence on Uzodimma and he was seconded by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State.

Governor Idris while speaking on the alleged report of the removal of Uzodimma said: “We don’t have any problem to justify what has been said. I want to take this opportunity to move a vote of confidence in our chairman and his deputy.”

Dr Idris explained that more than 23 governors in attendance at the Abuja meeting reiterated their confidence in Uzodimma to lead the forum.

According to him, the fact that Uzodimma presided over the meeting with his vice was enough evidence to authenticate his leadership.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State on his part added: “We all woke up to that unfortunate story across Nigerian media. But the truth is that the APC Progressive Governors Forum is very united. We are stronger now than ever. We are supporting our president in all his efforts and want to assure everyone that the forum is united; there is no problem at all.”

While moving the vote of confidence, Governor Idris affirmed that Senator Hope Uzodimma and Governor Uba Sani remain the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the forum, respectively.

Dismissing speculations of disunity, Uzodimma noted that the party remains focused on its long-term goals and the welfare of Nigerians.

“Governors of the APC are united and resolved to support Mr. President to ensure he succeeds during the upcoming elections by January 2027,” Uzodimma stated. “We have decided to work harder, look after our people, demonstrate performance, and provide the social interventions necessary to make Nigerians happy. That is the resolution we have reached this afternoon.”

The governors in attendance included those from Ondo, Kaduna, Taraba (who departed after a brief meeting), Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Lagos, Kogi, Katsina, Yobe, Kebbi, Benue, and Jigawa. Nasarawa was represented by the deputy governor.