APC Governors Remove Uzodimma as PGF Chairman After Tinubu Nomination Event

The political landscape within Nigeria’s ruling party shifted dramatically on Thursday night as governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly removed Hope Uzodimma from his position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF). The development came only hours after the Imo State governor represented APC governors during the submission of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja.

According to reports attributed to Arise News, the decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of progressive governors held in Abuja on Thursday night. The sudden move has triggered widespread political discussions within the APC and across the country, with observers interpreting the decision as a significant development ahead of future political calculations within the ruling party.

Extraordinary Meeting Signals Internal Political Realignment

Sources familiar with the gathering disclosed that about 17 governors attended the late-night meeting, while governors from several states, including Ogun, Bayelsa, and Enugu, were reportedly present during discussions surrounding the leadership of the Progressive Governors Forum.

Although official details regarding the reasons behind Uzodimma’s removal have yet to be publicly released, political analysts believe the development may indicate ongoing internal consultations and strategic repositioning within the APC. The timing of the decision has particularly attracted attention because it came shortly after Uzodimma performed a visible national role on behalf of APC governors at the presidential nomination event.

The Progressive Governors Forum has long served as an influential bloc within the ruling party, coordinating policy positions and political strategies among APC governors nationwide. Any leadership change within the forum is therefore considered politically important, especially at a period when discussions surrounding party unity and future electoral strategies remain active.

Questions Emerge Over APC Power Dynamics

The removal of Uzodimma has already generated varying reactions among party supporters and political commentators. While some observers described the move as part of routine internal restructuring, others suggested it may reflect deeper disagreements among influential stakeholders within the ruling party.

Governor Uzodimma has remained one of the prominent political allies of President Tinubu and has played major roles in several APC activities over recent years. His appearance earlier on Thursday during the submission of the president’s nomination documents further reinforced perceptions of his closeness to the party’s national leadership.

However, political watchers note that leadership contests and internal negotiations are common features of Nigeria’s political environment, particularly within major parties managing diverse regional and political interests. The APC has, in recent months, faced increasing pressure to maintain cohesion amid growing national political expectations and governance challenges.

Party Yet to Issue Comprehensive Official Position

As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC leadership nor the Progressive Governors Forum had issued a comprehensive official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the decision. The absence of immediate clarification has fueled speculation and intensified public interest in the outcome of the Abuja meeting.

Analysts believe the coming days may reveal whether the leadership change was part of a broader reorganisation effort or linked to emerging political alignments ahead of future elections. Attention is also expected to focus on who may emerge as the next chairman of the governors’ forum and what direction the body may take under new leadership.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the development, the incident once again highlights the intense political calculations shaping Nigeria’s ruling party as influential figures continue to negotiate power, loyalty, and strategic influence within the APC structure.