… As PGF reaffirms support for Tinubu’s agenda
BY IDAHOSA MUSA
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA- The All Progressive Congress (APC) governors and leaders of the party in the South South have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a second term in office.
The position of the South South governors and leaders of the ruling party was made known during APC’s stakeholders interactive session held in Benin City, Edo State at the weekend.
The event witnessed various prominent figures extolling the leadership qualities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and throwing their weight behind him to continue his Renewed Hope Agenda in 2027 to solidify his developmental strides and put the country on the path of continuous growth.
Prominent speakers at the event included Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North senatorial district; Hon. Abubakar Momoh, the Minister for Regional Development; The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, who spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
Also at the event was the former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva; the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku; the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; the Secretary to Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the APC National Woman Leader, Mary Idele Alile; and the Chairman of APC in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe.
Collectively, the various speakers passed a vote of confidence on both Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They highlighted various reforms currently underway in Nigeria, including the student loan initiative and the exemption of low-income earners from tax payments, as key achievements of the current administration.
In his speech Governor Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to his fellow governors, emphasizing the unprecedented unity displayed by their gathering in Benin City.
According to him, “This is the first time we are seeing unity among the governors coming together in a single room to discuss the progress of this country.”
Governor Okpebholo heaped praises on President Tinubu, describing him as a “capacity working president” who has made “necessary requirements available for us to operate seamlessly.”
He highlighted the President’s “critical reforms” aimed at moving Nigeria forward, noting that “things you think are difficult are made easy through his policies.”
Okpebholo lauded Tinubu’s courage in making tough decisions that have ultimately proven to be beneficial for the nation’s development and growth.
The Governor reiterated his earlier pledge to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu in Edo State in 2027. Dismissing skepticism from opposition parties.
He asserted, “How will it not happen when I am already working, constructing good roads?”
He cited the ongoing construction of roads linking eight communities in Uhunmwonde, including that of the immediate-past governor, Godwin Obaseki which was neglected for eight years.
“If the president is not behind us, such development cannot happen,” Okpebholo affirmed, declaring that “2027 is settled in Edo State as a way to pay him back” for his support.
Recalling the challenges faced by President Tinubu during his initial presidential bid, Governor Okpebholo stated, “They seized the economy of the nation. They seized petrol. They seized everything to frustrate him, yet he won the election.”
He reiterated his strong support for President Tinubu, citing the ongoing road constructions across the country and various economic reforms as evidence of the President’s “big heart” and love for Nigeria. “Anywhere he goes, we go,” he added
Meanwhile, Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded a two-day strategic regional meeting in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Saturday, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and charting a unified course for national development.
The meeting, hosted by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, brought together members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) for deep reflections on the nation’s socio-economic trajectory. In a communique read by PGF Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, the Forum outlined key resolutions aimed at strengthening governance, advancing party cohesion, and fostering sustainable development.
The Governors pledged continued alignment with President Tinubu’s transformative policies, emphasising priorities such as fiscal reform, food security, energy transition, infrastructural modernisation, and revitalisation of the social sector.
They expressed satisfaction with renewed coordination between federal and state governments, while endorsing macroeconomic stabilisation measures like fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalisation.
Acknowledging signs of economic recovery, the Forum stressed the need to democratise growth through increased investments in food security, job creation, poverty alleviation, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and social safety nets.
Members reaffirmed the crucial role of sub-national governments as engines of economic renewal, pledging to deepen economic decentralization in line with constitutional mandates to promote the welfare of the people.
The communique highlighted enhanced fiscal transfers to states and rising investor confidence, noting that many APC-led states are attracting significant domestic and foreign investments.
The Forum also committed to professionalising procurement processes, strengthening digital governance, and improving regulatory frameworks to boost productivity and inter-state competitiveness.
On security, the Governors commended security agencies and ongoing efforts to combat criminality and protect national sovereignty.
They reiterated support for inter-agency coordination, community policing, and grassroots intelligence gathering, calling for increased investments in surveillance infrastructure and better welfare for frontline security personnel. Condolences were extended to families affected by insecurity, particularly in Benue and Niger states, as Governors reaffirmed backing for recent security actions and presidential visits.
The Forum underscored the essential role of local government and community structures in enhancing service delivery and democratic inclusion, advocating reinvigorated grassroots governance to ensure broader citizen engagement.
Addressing party matters, the PGF welcomed new members into the APC, including Governors and National Assembly members, viewing the influx as a sign of growing public confidence in the party’s leadership and President Tinubu’s agenda.
The resignation of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was noted as a development consistent with the party’s commitment to internal evolution and reform.
The Governors vowed to uphold APC values by leveraging technology, innovation, and inter-governmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation. They encouraged Nigerians at home and abroad to support President Tinubu’s administration in pursuit of a more secure, inclusive, and progressive nation.
A solemn moment concluded the meeting as Governor Uzodimma announced the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata of Kano State, a revered national leader, prompting a minute of silence in his honour.
