A crisis within the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) recently triggered tension among governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following allegations of financial mismanagement and leadership disagreements involving Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.
The dispute reportedly caused a split within the Forum, with some governors backing Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as a new chairman, while others reaffirmed support for Uzodinma, who currently heads the group.
Sources familiar with the matter said the disagreement was linked to campaign funds contributed by APC governors ahead of the 2027 elections under the Renewed Hope Ambassador (RHA) platform.
According to reports, governors had agreed to make monthly contributions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations into an account managed by Uzodinma to support grassroots mobilisation and promote President Bola Tinubu’s policies nationwide.
The RHA platform was established to strengthen support for the Tinubu administration and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
However, with the formation of a new campaign structure known as the Renewed Hope Network (RHN), some governors reportedly demanded the transfer of funds to the new platform. Tension allegedly began after Uzodinma informed his colleagues that much of the money had already been spent.
The disagreement reportedly deepened existing frustrations among some governors, who accused Uzodinma of being overbearing in his leadership style and failing to adequately brief them after meetings with the President on important party matters.
The crisis escalated during a meeting held at the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where some governors allegedly moved to back Peter Mbah as the new PGF chairman.
Sources claimed that allegations of financial irregularities and lack of transparency were raised during the meeting, further widening divisions within the Forum.
President Bola Tinubu, who is currently on a foreign trip, was said to have intervened after being briefed on the situation.
According to insiders, the President held discussions with key figures involved in the dispute, including Governors Uzodinma, Dapo Abiodun and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, in an effort to restore calm within the party.
Reports also claimed that some funds had since been recovered and that Uzodinma had provided explanations regarding the management of the contributions.
Despite the controversy, the Progressive Governors Forum dismissed reports suggesting that Uzodinma had been removed as chairman.
In a statement, the Director-General of the Forum, Folorunso Aluko, described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that no official meeting was held to remove the Imo governor.
He stated that Uzodinma remains the legitimate chairman of the Forum.
At a closed-door meeting attended by 18 APC governors at the Imo State Lodge in Abuja, the governors passed a vote of confidence on Uzodinma and his deputy, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who spoke after the meeting, insisted that the APC governors remained united and fully committed to supporting President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy surrounding Uzodinma also extended to speculations about his alleged interest in contesting for the Senate after leaving office as governor.
The issue gained attention following proposed amendments to the Senate Standing Orders, which sought to tighten eligibility requirements for principal positions in the Senate.
Some lawmakers argued that the proposed rules were designed to prevent influential outgoing governors, including Uzodinma, from contesting key leadership positions such as Senate President.
However, following opposition from senators, including former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, the Senate later reversed parts of the proposed amendments after concerns were raised over possible constitutional conflicts.
An official within the Imo State Government also dismissed suggestions that Uzodinma would need to resign early as governor to pursue a Senate ambition, insisting that discussions about 2027 remained premature.
