By Akpos Oje
Governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have pledged renewed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform initiatives, restating their commitment to national development, institutional reforms, and inclusive governance.
This position was made public through a communiqué issued after a two-day strategic retreat of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), held in Benin City, Edo State, from June 27 to 28, 2025.
The statement, signed by the PGF Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, noted that the meeting provided a platform for governors to assess Nigeria’s socio-economic progress and the vital role of state governments in implementing transformative national policies.
Among those in attendance was Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, who was officially welcomed into the APC fold. His entry into the Forum was hailed as a sign of widening political realignment around the party’s vision for people-focused governance.
The governors commended President Tinubu for his leadership, stating that his Renewed Hope Agenda continues to gain national traction. They praised the growing collaboration between the federal government and states, particularly in key areas such as fiscal policy reforms, food security strategies, power sector transition, infrastructure development, and revitalization of public services.
While acknowledging the benefits of the recent macroeconomic adjustments—including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates—the Forum emphasized the urgency of broadening the impact of these reforms through targeted investments in food production, job creation, poverty reduction, MSME development, and social safety programs.
The PGF also reiterated that states play a central role in economic expansion and committed to driving decentralization, consistent with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution, which calls for all tiers of government to promote the welfare of Nigerians.
The Forum expressed satisfaction with the increasing fiscal allocations to states and improved investor sentiment, noting that many APC-controlled states have become attractive destinations for both local and international investments.
Governors also committed to further modernizing governance by enhancing procurement systems, digitizing public services, and improving regulatory oversight to deliver infrastructure that boosts productivity and competitiveness.
On security, the Forum expressed gratitude to security agencies for their efforts to combat crime and protect the country’s territorial integrity. They voiced support for better inter-agency coordination, community-level policing, and grassroots intelligence gathering. The PGF called for more investment in surveillance technology and better welfare for security personnel.
The Forum extended condolences to victims of violence in Benue and Niger States and reaffirmed their backing of President Tinubu’s approach to restoring peace, especially his interventions in the North-Central region.
Additionally, the governors emphasized the importance of empowering local government institutions and community structures to strengthen democratic participation and enhance public service delivery.
Touching on party affairs, the PGF lauded the wave of high-profile defections to the APC, calling it evidence of growing confidence in the party’s leadership and policy direction. The Forum described the APC as Nigeria’s most cohesive and reform-oriented political platform, and called for sustained efforts to improve social justice and inclusive prosperity.
The resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also acknowledged, with the governors stating it signifies ongoing internal reforms and evolution within the APC.
The Progressive Governors expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and pledged to accelerate socio-economic transformation, deepen institutional trust, and uphold the ideals of the APC. They urged citizens, both within and outside the country, to support President Tinubu as he leads the nation toward greater unity, security, and development.
