BREAKING NEWS from Abuja, Nigeria – Friday, May 8, 2026.
In a development sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, reports have emerged that **Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma**, has been removed as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
According to multiple sources, the decision was announced following an extraordinary closed-door meeting of about 20 APC governors held late on Thursday evening, May 7, 2026, in Abuja. A new chairman is expected to be named shortly, with some unconfirmed reports pointing to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as a possible successor.
The move comes just after APC governors, with Uzodinma speaking on their behalf, endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027.
Official Denial
However, the PGF Secretariat has strongly pushed back against the reports. In a statement issued on Thursday night, Director-General Folorunso S. Aluko described the claims as “false, baseless, and misleading.”
He confirmed that **no such meeting took place** to remove the chairman and affirmed that Senator Hope Uzodinma remains the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
The denial highlights inconsistencies in the circulating reports, including references to non-APC governors in the alleged meeting.
Political Context
Uzodinma, who also serves as a key figure in the APC, had earlier faced a reshuffle in the party’s National Convention planning committee earlier this year, where he was replaced as chairman but retained a prominent role.
Political observers are already linking these developments to maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, with speculation that efforts are underway to diminish certain governors’ influence in the post-gubernatorial era. The reports have also fueled discussions about proposed Senate legislation that could affect governors seeking immediate Senate seats after their tenure.
This story is still developing. The PGF Secretariat’s denial adds significant uncertainty, and further clarification from the APC governors or party leadership is awaited. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.
