The All Progressives Congress is experiencing what its governors are calling a “natural evolution” following the resignation of National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, while simultaneously celebrating a major political defection that strengthens their ranks.
In a strategic move that party insiders say was long anticipated, the Progressive Governors’ Forum has publicly endorsed Ganduje’s departure as part of the ruling party’s ongoing internal reforms. The announcement came during a two-day closed-door meeting in Benin City, Edo State, where governors gathered to chart the party’s future direction.
“This Is Not a Crisis” Governors Insist
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, was quick to frame Ganduje’s exit as a positive development rather than internal turmoil. Reading from an official communiqué on Saturday, Uzodimma emphasized that the resignation aligns with the party’s commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.
“Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s resignation is in tandem with the party’s continued evolution,” the statement declared, carefully avoiding any suggestion of forced removal or internal conflict. The choice of words appears deliberate, presenting the leadership change as strategic repositioning rather than crisis management.
While specific details about the circumstances surrounding Ganduje’s departure remain unclear, party sources suggest this move has been in discussion for months as part of broader efforts to strengthen the APC’s organizational structure ahead of future electoral challenges.
Major Political Win: Akwa Ibom Governor Joins APC
The governors had more than just leadership changes to discuss. In what they’re calling a significant political victory, the forum formally welcomed Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, into the APC fold along with his supporters.
This defection represents a major coup for the ruling party, particularly in the oil-rich South-South region where the APC has historically struggled to maintain strong footholds. The governors described Eno’s switch as evidence of “growing national consensus on the transformative policies being executed by President Tinubu’s administration.”
Political analysts note that Eno’s defection could significantly alter the political landscape in Akwa Ibom and the broader South-South region, potentially giving the APC stronger leverage in future elections.
Governors Back Tinubu’s Economic Policies
The meeting served as more than just a platform for political announcements. The governors conducted what they called a “comprehensive appraisal” of Nigeria’s current trajectory across economic, social, security, and political dimensions.
Their verdict? Cautious optimism with calls for more inclusive growth.
The forum expressed satisfaction with President Tinubu’s macroeconomic policies, particularly praising fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalization efforts. However, they stressed that economic recovery must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
“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 governors stated, highlighting the need to balance fiscal discipline with social equity.
Federal-State Coordination Gets Thumbs Up
One governor, speaking on condition of anonymity, praised the improved coordination between federal and state institutions under the current administration. “We are pleased with the renewed coordination between federal and state institutions, which is vital for national progress,” the governor remarked.
The forum particularly commended the prioritization of fiscal reform, food security, energy transition, infrastructure modernization, and social sector revitalization – all key pillars of the Tinubu administration’s policy framework.
Investment Success Stories Highlighted
The governors weren’t shy about celebrating their states’ economic achievements. They noted that “multiple APC-led states are now attracting significant domestic and foreign direct investments,” which they attributed to the enabling environment created by current policies.
This claim comes at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to attract more foreign investment to boost economic growth and create jobs for its growing population.
What This Means for Nigerian Politics
The developments emerging from Benin City suggest the APC is positioning itself for continued dominance in Nigerian politics. By framing internal changes as “evolution” rather than upheaval, and by securing significant defections like Governor Eno’s, the party appears to be consolidating its position.
However, critics will likely question whether Ganduje’s resignation was truly voluntary and whether the party’s claims of unity and progress reflect reality on the ground. The opposition PDP has already begun making moves to capitalize on any perceived weakness in APC leadership.
The timing of these announcements – coming amid ongoing economic challenges and security concerns – also suggests the APC is working to project stability and effectiveness as it prepares for future electoral battles.
For now, the ruling party’s governors are presenting a united front, backing their president’s policies while managing internal transitions they insist will only make the party stronger.
This story is developing. TheDailyCourierNG will continue monitoring political developments and provide updates as they become available.