Twenty-three governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, describing it as part of the party’s natural evolution and reform process.

The governors made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day strategic meeting held in Benin City, Edo State, and hosted by Governor Monday Okpebholo. Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, was represented by his deputy, Hon. Idris Gobir-Danchadi.

Reading the communiqué, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, said:

“The PGF acknowledged the resignation of the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in tandem with the party’s continued evolution.”

He reaffirmed the governors’ collective commitment to a united, just, and prosperous Nigeria through bold reforms, strengthened institutional trust, and accelerated socio-economic development.

The governors expressed full alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting renewed synergy between federal and state governments on key priorities such as fiscal reform, energy transition, infrastructure modernization, food security, and social sector revitalization.

They welcomed increased fiscal transfers to states and renewed investor confidence, noting improvements in procurement processes, digital governance, and regulatory frameworks across APC-led states.

“We are committed to leveraging state-level innovation and intergovernmental collaboration to drive Nigeria’s transformation from the bottom up,” the statement added.

On national security, the forum commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts in combating criminality and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity. It reiterated support for community policing, grassroots intelligence, and inter-agency coordination.

The governors also called for increased investment in surveillance infrastructure and the welfare of frontline security personnel. They extended condolences to families affected by violence, especially in Benue and Niger States, and commended President Tinubu’s decisive response to the Benue crisis.

The PGF reviewed Nigeria’s socio-economic trajectory and reaffirmed support for key macroeconomic policies, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and debt rationalisation. While noting early signs of economic recovery, they emphasized the need for broader inclusion.

“Growth must be democratized through targeted investments in food security, job creation, MSMEs, poverty eradication, and expanded social safety nets,” the governors stated.

They pledged to deepen economic decentralization, in line with Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which obligates all levels of government to prioritize citizens’ welfare.

The forum noted the recent influx of key political figures which included governors, lawmakers and other stakeholders—into the APC as a strong vote of confidence in the party’s leadership and vision.

A key highlight of the meeting was the formal welcome of the governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta States, Pastor Umo Eno and Sheriff Oborevwori, who recently joined the APC.

The PGF urged Nigerians at home and abroad to rally behind President Tinubu and support ongoing reforms aimed at securing a more inclusive, secure, and forward-looking nation.