By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
Governor Hope Uzodimma has reportedly been removed as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, just hours after representing APC governors at the submission of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Arise News, the decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting of progressive governors held in Abuja on Thursday night.
The meeting reportedly had about 17 governors in attendance, including governors from states such as Ogun State, Bayelsa State and Enugu State, among others.
However, fresh intrigues have continued to trail the reported removal of Hope Uzodimma as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), amid conflicting claims over whether the decision was actually finalised. While the PGF has reportedly denied that Uzodimma was removed, political observers believe the controversy may reflect deeper power calculations within the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development came shortly after Uzodimma publicly led APC governors during the submission of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms, further cementing his image as one of Tinubu’s closest political allies.
Analysts say some power blocs within the APC may have become uncomfortable with what they perceive as the growing concentration of influence around the Imo governor.
Uzodimma has occupied several strategic positions within party structures in recent months and was earlier reassigned from his role as chairman of the APC National Convention Central Coordination Committee after internal consultations. Party insiders believe the latest development may be part of broader efforts to prevent any single governor or faction from dominating the party hierarchy as succession politics gradually intensifies ahead of 2027.
There are also indications that regional balancing may have influenced the unfolding situation. Sources within the party say the APC has been carefully managing interests across the North-West, North-East, South-West and South-East blocs as discussions around future leadership arrangements quietly gather momentum.
Some stakeholders are believed to favour a strategic redistribution of key party positions, including leadership of the PGF, in order to maintain internal equilibrium and avoid the perception that one region or political tendency is gaining excessive advantage.
Political tensions among APC governors and other centres of influence within the party may have further complicated matters. Uzodimma frequently spoke on behalf of governors on sensitive national issues, including electoral reforms and internal party administration, but insiders say not all governors were comfortable with his style or political positioning.
There has also been speculation in political circles that the governor may be eyeing a broader national role after completing his tenure in Imo State, including possible ambitions in the National Assembly leadership.
However, much of the controversy remains speculative, as neither the APC nor the PGF has issued any detailed official explanation, fuelling suggestions that consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations may still be ongoing.
