By James
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Fresh confusion has erupted within Nigeria’s political space, following conflicting reports over the leadership of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports circulating late Thursday claimed that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, had been removed as chairman of the forum during an emergency meeting allegedly attended by about 20 governors in Abuja.
The reports further alleged that Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was subsequently selected to replace Uzodinma, as the new chairman of the PGF, a development that immediately triggered widespread reactions across political circles.
According to accounts linked to the controversy, the alleged meeting reportedly took place at the Ogun State Government Lodge in Abuja and was attended by several governors, including Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, alongside other unnamed participants.
The development sparked immediate confusion within the ruling party, with many political observers.
However, the Progressive Governors Forum swiftly dismissed the reports, describing them as entirely false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, the PGF denied that any such extraordinary meeting took place and insisted that Governor Uzodinma remains the substantive chairman of the body.
The forum maintained that there had been no leadership change and urged the public to disregard what it described as fabricated claims aimed at causing unnecessary tension within the APC.
Despite the denial, sources familiar with the development reportedly insisted that a closed-door meeting actually held on Thursday night, further deepening uncertainty over what transpired among the governors.
The controversy has since fueled intense political speculation, especially amid growing permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections and ongoing power realignments within the ruling party.
Governor Uzodinma, a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, has remained influential within APC leadership structures and recently represented APC governors during the submission of the president’s nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja.
Political analysts say the conflicting narratives surrounding the PGF leadership may reflect deeper internal consultations and strategic positioning within the ruling party, as various blocs prepare for future political contests.
However, neither Governor Uzodinma nor Governor Mbah had publicly addressed the controversy.
