Governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reiterated their unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, following the conclusion of a crucial two-day Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) meeting in Benin City, Edo State.
The meeting, hosted by Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, culminated on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with the adoption of a communiqué outlining the Forum’s resolutions on Nigeria’s development, intergovernmental collaboration, and the APC’s future.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the PGF, read the communiqué, stating that the gathering provided “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 notable development was the official welcome of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, into the APC, signaling the party’s growing appeal.
The communiqué, released by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo governor, highlighted 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, citing 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 landscape, expressing 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 economic policy, the Forum acknowledged progress but called for broader growth, stating, “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 emphasized the role of sub-national governments as “engines for economic renewal,” with a commitment 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.”
The Forum also 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.”
Governors pledged to “professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhance regulatory frameworks” to deliver infrastructure that unlocks productivity and drives inter-state competitiveness.
On security, the PGF commended security agencies for their efforts in countering criminality and safeguarding national sovereignty. The Forum reiterated support for “inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems,” and called for “greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel.”
Condolences were extended to families affected by insecurity in Benue and Niger States, with the PGF reaffirming its “collective resolve to support the President’s national security architecture, commending recent actions and visits to Benue State.”
The Forum underscored the importance of grassroots engagement, highlighting “the indispensable roles of local government and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion,” and advocated for “reinvigorated grassroots governance.”
On internal party matters, the PGF welcomed the influx of new members, 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 communiqué also acknowledged the resignation of National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stating it was “in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.”
In closing, the Forum reiterated 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.”
The PGF urged Nigerians at home and abroad to support President Tinubu and the APC as the nation advances towards “a more secured, inclusive, and forward-looking future.”
The meeting concluded with a moment of silence for Alhaji Aminu Dantata of Kano State, described by Governor Uzodimma as “a revered national leader.”