Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), on Wednesday night met with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling party led by its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The meeting, which lasted over four hours, ended with the governors endorsing key party programmes, including the timetable for forthcoming congresses and the ongoing national e-registration exercise.
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Reading the communiqué to journalists after the meeting, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the PGF, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the forum reviewed and endorsed the timetable and institutional framework approved by the party’s National Executive Committee for the conduct of ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, as well as the national convention.
Uzodimma said the forum commended the APC National Chairman for the ongoing national e-registration and digital membership update, noting that the initiative had recorded significant growth, particularly in youth participation.
According to the communiqué, the integration of National Identity Number verification into the registration process would enhance data-driven planning, improve demographic insights and strengthen grassroots engagement across states and communities.
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“The Forum reaffirmed its collective commitment to deepening internal democracy, strengthening party structures, and advancing reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within the APC across all levels of the federation,” the communiqué read.
The governors also emphasised the need for transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of party congresses and conventions to ensure fairness, consistency and accountability across all states, including those not governed by the APC.
The communiqué further stated that the PGF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to party unity and internal harmony, urging responsible leadership communication and collective discipline to strengthen public confidence in the party’s democratic processes.
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The forum announced plans for strategic engagements and state visits aimed at reinforcing grassroots structures, strengthening party cohesion and supporting progressive governance across the federation, beginning with a visit to Taraba State.
It also formally welcomed the governors of Taraba and Plateau states into the Progressive Governors Forum, reaffirming the resolve of APC governors to work closely with the party leadership to advance national development and democratic consolidation.
The governors expressed appreciation to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary and members of the NWC for what they described as constructive engagement, pledging continued collaboration to deliver a credible, transparent and unifying congress and convention process.
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The communique read in part: “The Forum reviewed and endorsed the proposed timetable and institutional framework as approved by NEC for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State, Zonal Congresses, and the National Convention.
“The Forum emphasised the importance of transparent and coordinated financial management in the conduct of congresses and conventions, ensuring fairness, consistency, and accountability across all states, including those without APC-governed administrations.
“The PGF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to party unity and internal harmony. The Forum underscored the need for responsible leadership communication and collective discipline in strengthening public confidence in the Party’s democratic processes.
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“The Forum announced a schedule of strategic engagements and state visits aimed at reinforcing grassroots structures, strengthening party cohesion, and supporting progressive governance across the federation, beginning with a visit to Taraba State and subsequent engagements in other states.
“The PGF formally welcomed the Governors of Taraba and Plateau States into the Forum, reaffirming the collective resolve of Progressive Governors to work in partnership with the APC leadership to advance national development, democratic consolidation, and people-centered governance.
“The Progressive Governors Forum expressed its appreciation to the APC National Chairman, National Secretary, and members of the National Working Committee for their constructive engagement and reaffirmed its readiness to continue working closely with the Party leadership to deliver a credible, transparent, and unifying congress and convention process in the interest of Nigeria’s democratic growth.”
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Other governors present at the meeting included Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom).
Governors Dikko Radda (Katsina), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe) were represented by their deputies.