NEWS
PGF Fires Back at “False and Misleading” Reports, Insists Senator Hope Uzodimma Remains Chairman as Cracks Rumour Sparks Political Reactions Across APC Circles
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has firmly dismissed reports alleging that the Governor of Hope Uzodimma and Chairman of the Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was removed from his position as leader of the influential body of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Forum described the report making rounds across some media platforms as completely fabricated, misleading, and lacking any factual foundation, stressing that no meeting was convened where such a decision was discussed or approved.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Folorunso Aluko, moved swiftly to debunk the speculation, warning against the spread of misinformation capable of creating unnecessary tension within the ruling party’s governors’ bloc.
“The attention of the Progressive Governors Forum has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in some media platforms alleging the removal of its Chairman, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON,” the statement read.
The rebuttal from the PGF comes amid growing political conversations and speculations in some quarters over internal alignments within the APC ahead of future political calculations, a development that has continued to fuel unverified reports across social and conventional media platforms.
However, the Forum maintained that Senator Uzodimma remains fully in charge as chairman of the body and continues to enjoy the confidence and support of members of the forum.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Progressive Governors Forum states categorically that the report is entirely false, baseless, and without an iota of truth,” the statement added.
The Forum further clarified that its secretariat had no knowledge whatsoever of any resolution or proceedings suggesting a leadership change, insisting that the alleged report did not emanate from any recognized structure of the organization.
“The PGF secretariat has no record of, and is not aware of, any resolution removing the Chairman. His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, remains the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” it stated.
The PGF also used the opportunity to reassure members of the APC, political stakeholders, and Nigerians that the Forum remains united, stable, and committed to its constitutional responsibilities and collaborative governance objectives across APC-controlled states.
The body urged members of the public and media organizations to disregard the report in its entirety, emphasizing that the leadership structure of the Forum remains intact and unchanged.
Political observers believe the strong and immediate response from the Progressive Governors Forum was aimed at shutting down rising rumours capable of creating the impression of internal instability within the powerful governors’ bloc, especially at a time when political activities and strategic realignments within the APC are beginning to intensify ahead of future elections.