The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), comprising governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has unanimously thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passing a firm vote of confidence on his leadership and openly endorsing his re-election bid in 2027.
The declaration was the central outcome of a crucial two-day meeting of the Forum and APC stakeholders held in Lagos, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Vote of Confidence and 2027 Endorsement
Announcing the Forum’s resolution, the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, stated that the decision was based on the governors’ appreciation of the ongoing, difficult reforms and the positive trajectory set by the administration across key sectors of the economy and security.
Uzodimma later urged party stakeholders to intensify efforts to communicate the President’s achievements at the grassroots level ahead of the 2027 polls.
The meeting was well-attended, featuring governors and deputy governors from both APC and coalition states. Governors in attendance included:
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Host: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos)
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Chairman: Hope Uzodimma (Imo)
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Other Attendees: Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Dr. Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Senator Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Dikko Umar (Katsina).
Key Commitments from the Communiqué
In a detailed communiqué issued at the close of the meeting, the governors reviewed the political, economic, and security developments nationwide, making specific commitments:
1. Economic Reforms and Cost of Living
The Forum acknowledged the current cost-of-living pressures resulting from the necessary economic policy shifts and commended Nigerians for their resilience. The governors pledged to scale up state-level interventions to cushion the effects, focusing on:
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Food Production: Initiatives to boost agricultural output.
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Social Protection: Expanding programs for vulnerable groups.
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MSME Support: Providing enhanced support for small and medium enterprises.
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Alignment: Ensuring state policies are fully aligned with federal reforms to maximize benefits for all citizens.
2. Strengthening Security
The PGF acknowledged the improved coordination among federal security agencies and resolved to take concrete steps to strengthen security at the state level by:
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Local Security Architecture: Reinforcing local security outfits and structures.
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Community-Based Initiatives: Promoting local engagement and intelligence gathering.
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Unity and Understanding: Urging national leaders to promote inter-ethnic understanding and isolate criminality and hate speech.
3. Governance and Party Cohesion
The governors committed to deepening transparency and service delivery at the grassroots level, stressing the importance of strong local governance. They also reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC, pledging to strengthen internal democracy, promote party cohesion, and ensure inclusiveness in preparation for future electoral challenges.
The PGF concluded by expressing renewed confidence in Nigeria’s future and urging citizens to remain calm and supportive of the Renewed Hope Agenda, offering advanced wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
