The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) declared on Saturday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the most institutionally coherent political platform in Nigeria, boasting unmatched records of reforms, electoral success, and national unity.
The PGF equally hailed the recent influx of governors, National Assembly members, and other key stakeholders into the APC, describing their defection as a clear affirmation of public confidence in the party’s leadership model and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
This was disclosed at the two-day strategic regional meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) in Benin City, the Edo State capital, hosted by the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
In a communique issued at the close of the meeting, read by the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, the forum highlighted key outcomes and resolutions from the gathering.
Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed satisfaction with the nation’s socio-economic direction and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
They pledged their support towards providing a crucial platform to harmonise developmental strategies, reinforce party cohesion, and reaffirm the forum’s dedication to people-centred development, institutional accountability, and inter-governmental collaboration.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the formal welcome of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.
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.
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.
On security and national stability, the forum commended security agencies and ongoing efforts to counter criminality and safeguard national sovereignty.
The 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 communiqué also highlighted the indispensable roles of local governments and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion, emphasising the need for reinvigorated grassroots governance.
The resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was acknowledged as being in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.
The PGF reaffirmed its strong commitment to a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria, pledging 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 inter-governmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up.
The forum encouraged all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to rally behind President Tinubu and the APC as the nation moves towards a more secure, inclusive, and forward-looking future.
Governor Uzodimma announced the sad news of the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a revered national leader from Kano State, and called for a minute of silence in his honour.
