Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reaffirmed their commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This comes after the conclusion of a two-day strategic regional meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum held in Benin City, Edo State.
Hosted by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the high-level meeting ended on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with far-reaching resolutions on Nigeria’s socio-economic trajectory, federal-state collaboration, and the future of the APC.
Reading the communiqué at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma, said the gathering served as “a crucial platform to harmonise development strategies, reinforce party cohesion, and reaffirm the Forum’s dedication to people-centered development, institutional accountability, and inter-governmental collaboration.”
A highlight of the meeting was the formal welcome of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State into the APC fold.
The statement from the meeting was released on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo governor Fred Itua on Saturday.
According to the communiqué, “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 Tinubu and his team, applauding what it described as the “widespread endorsement of his policies across all states led by the Forum.”
The Governors undertook a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s “economic, social, security, and political trajectory” and expressed satisfaction with “the renewed coordination between federal and state institutions, particularly the prioritization of fiscal reform, food security, energy transition, infrastructural modernization, and social sector revitalization.”
On fiscal and economic policy, the Forum stated: “While economic indicators show signs of recovery, growth must be further democratized through expanded investments in food security, job creation, poverty eradication, MSMEs, and social safety nets.”
The communiqué noted that “sub-national governments remain engines for economic renewal,” adding that the Governors were “committing to deepen economic decentralization in line with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates all levels of government to promote the welfare of the people.”
On governance and investor confidence, the Forum welcomed “the increase in fiscal transfers to states and the growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic outlook,” observing that “multiple APC-led states are now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments.”
Governors also pledged to “professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhance regulatory frameworks” as part of their commitment “to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives inter-state competitiveness.”
Turning to security, the PGF commended “security agencies and ongoing efforts to counter criminality and safeguard national sovereignty.”
The Forum reiterated its support for “inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems,” while calling for “greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel.”
Expressing condolences to those affected by insecurity, particularly in Benue and Niger States, the Governors stated: “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 Forum stressed the importance of grassroots engagement, affirming “the indispensable roles of local government and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion” and advocating for “reinvigorated grassroots governance.”
On internal party matters, the PGF acknowledged the recent wave of high-profile entrants into the APC, including Governors and National Assembly members, describing it as “a clear affirmation of public confidence in the party’s leadership model and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“The Forum reaffirmed that the APC remains the most institutionally-coherent political platform in Nigeria, with unmatched records of reforms, electoral success, and national unity,” the communiqué stated.
The resignation of the National Chairman of the party, His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also acknowledged, described by the Forum as “in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.”
Reaffirming its broader national vision, the Forum concluded: “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.”
It added: “Governors resolved to remain faithful to APC values, leveraging technology, innovation, and inter-governmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up.”
The PGF encouraged “all Nigerians, both home and abroad, to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC as the nation moves towards a more secured, inclusive, and forward-looking future.”
The meeting ended on a solemn note, with Governor Uzodimma announcing the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata of Kano State. “A revered national leader,” Governor Uzodimma said, before calling for a minute of silence in his honour.
The Punch
