Reports of a split within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the leadership of its Governors’ Forum were put to rest yesterday after 18 governors passed a vote of confidence in Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
The declaration came amid swirling speculation that Uzodimma was about to be replaced as head of the forum, which coordinates the interests of APC-controlled states. The governors dismissed the reports as baseless and reaffirmed their support for his continued leadership.
The move comes as early jostling for the 2027 general elections begins to take shape within the ruling party. Political observers say the public show of unity is aimed at projecting stability and preventing internal rifts from spilling into the open ahead of the next election cycle.
Uzodimma, who has chaired the PGF since 2023, has been central to the forum’s push to align governors with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its policy direction. Under his watch, the forum has backed a consensus arrangement for Tinubu’s return as the party’s presidential candidate in 2027.
Balancing Unity and Internal Pressure
The show of support also reflects the party’s effort to manage challenges that could threaten its cohesion. APC is navigating multiple pressures as it approaches the midpoint of Tinubu’s first term.
Party leaders are contending with ambition ahead of 2027, with governors and federal appointees positioning for influence in the next election cycle. Managing these interests without alienating key blocs remains a delicate task.
The APC is also working to hold together the coalition of former ACN, CPC, ANPP, and PDP members that formed the party in 2013. Disputes over appointments, party structure, and resource allocation continue to test that balance.
Economic hardship and insecurity in parts of the country add to the pressure, giving opposition parties material to challenge the ruling party’s record. Opposition leaders have been vocal about preventing APC from consolidating into a one-party state, and are exploring options to consolidate their own ranks ahead of 2027.
Former Lagos Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele recently warned that APC’s attempts to weaken opposition parties “will not work,” describing the current political climate as “dangerous.” She accused the ruling party of trying to infiltrate other political platforms, a claim that has heightened concerns about intraparty discipline and public perception.
