APC Governors Applaud Ganduje’s Exit
The All Progressive Congress (APC) governors under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) have unanimously welcomed the resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje, saying it aligns with the party’s “continued evolution”.
The resolution was taken as the PDF concluded a two-day strategic regional meeting in Benin City on Saturday, hosted by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Fred Itua, on Saturday, said the PGF reaffirmed its strong belief in a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria, committing to work collaboratively to deliver bold reforms, strengthen institutional trust, and accelerate socio-economic development across all geopolitical zones.
The governors resolved to remain faithful to APC values, leveraging technology, innovation, and intergovernmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up.
Ganduje had stepped down from his position in the party on Friday.
“His resignation, which is effective immediately, was offered to enable him attend to urgent and important personal matters,” APC spokesman Felix Morka said in a statement.
“In his letter of resignation addressed to the National Working Committee (NWC) through the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, Ganduje expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, for the opportunity to serve the party at the highest level.”
Morka said Tinubu directed Ali Dalori to assume the position of Acting National Chairman, pending the meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to be summoned immediately to fill the vacancy created by the resignation.
They also engaged in deep reflection on the nation’s socio-economic direction and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
They encouraged all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC as the nation moves towards a more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking future.
In a communique issued at the close of the meeting, read by the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Forum highlighted key outcomes and resolutions from the gathering.
The meeting provided a crucial platform to harmonise development strategies, reinforce party cohesion, and reaffirm the forum’s dedication to people-centred development, institutional accountability, and intergovernmental collaboration.
Forum Welcomes Pastor Eno
A significant highlight of the meeting was the formal welcome of Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
The Forum noted that Governor Eno’s decision, along with his supporters, reflects a growing national consensus on the transformative policies being executed by President Tinubu’s administration.
The PGF congratulated President Tinubu and his team, commending the widespread endorsement of his policies across all states led by the Forum.
Govs Expressed Satisfaction With Reforms
A comprehensive appraisal of the nation’s economic, social, security, and political trajectory was undertaken by members of the Forum.
The governors expressed satisfaction with the renewed coordination between federal and state institutions, particularly the prioritisation of fiscal reform, food security, energy transition, infrastructural modernisation, and social sector revitalisation.
They pledged continued alignment with national objectives, in line with the principles of constitutional federalism.
Acknowledging the effectiveness of macroeconomic stabilisation policies such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalisation, the Forum expressed support for a strategic pivot towards social equity and inclusive prosperity.
The governors emphasised that 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 reaffirmed the critical role of sub-national governments as engines for economic renewal, committing to deepen economic decentralisation in line with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates all levels of government to promote the welfare of the people.
The PGF welcomed the increase in fiscal transfers to states and the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook, noting that multiple APC-led states are now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments.
Efforts to professionalise procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhance regulatory frameworks were also acknowledged, with Governors pledging to build on this momentum to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives interstate competitiveness.
On security and national stability, the Forum commended security agencies and ongoing efforts to counter criminality and safeguard national sovereignty.
Governors reaffirmed their support for inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems, calling for greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel.
The PGF expressed condolences to families affected by insecurity, particularly in Benue and Niger states, and reaffirmed its collective resolve to support the President’s national security architecture, commending recent actions and visits to Benue State.
The communique also highlighted the indispensable roles of local government and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion, emphasising the need for reinvigorated grassroots governance.
Wave Of Defections From Other Parties
Regarding leadership cohesion and party renewal, the PGF recognised the recent influx of governors, national assembly members, and other key stakeholders into the APC as a clear affirmation of public confidence in the party’s leadership model and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Forum reaffirmed that the APC remained the most institutionally coherent political platform in Nigeria, with unmatched records of reforms, electoral success, and national unity.
After the press briefing, Governor Uzodimma announced the sad news of the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a revered national leader from Kano State. He called for a minute of silence in his honour.
