Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have reiterated their unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda following a pivotal two-day regional strategy session in Benin City, Edo State.
The high-level meeting, which concluded on Saturday, June 28, 2025, was hosted by Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State. The gathering brought together the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) to deliberate on Nigeria’s socio-economic direction, federal-state collaboration, and the future of the APC.
Reading the official communiqué, the Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described the event 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 significant highlight was the formal induction of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State into the APC, marking a notable expansion of the party’s influence.
Okay.ng reports that the statement, issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo governor, emphasized 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 administration, noting the “widespread endorsement of his policies across all states led by the Forum.” The Governors conducted an extensive review of the nation’s “economic, social, security, and political trajectory,” 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.”
Addressing fiscal and economic matters, the Forum asserted, “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 further highlighted the role of sub-national governments as “engines for economic renewal,” with the Governors pledging 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,” and noted that “multiple APC-led states are now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments.”
The Governors also committed to “professionalize procurement processes, digital governance systems, and enhance regulatory frameworks” to deliver infrastructure that boosts productivity and inter-state competitiveness.
In terms of security, the PGF commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts to combat criminality and protect national sovereignty. The Forum reiterated its support for “inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence systems,” while advocating for “greater investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline personnel.”
Expressing condolences to those affected by insecurity, especially 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 underscored the importance of grassroots engagement, affirming “the indispensable roles of local government and community structures in service delivery and democratic inclusion” and calling for “reinvigorated grassroots governance.”
On internal party affairs, the PGF welcomed the recent influx of high-profile members 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 communiqué added, “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 resignation of the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also acknowledged as being “in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.”
Concluding, the Forum stated, “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 further resolved, “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, whom he described as “a revered national leader,” and called for a minute of silence in his honour.
