By Ayo Kehinde
Confusion and controversy engulfed the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) on Friday, following reports of an alleged plot by some governors to remove the chairman of the forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, over allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of office and loss of confidence in his leadership.
The controversy deepened after the Director-General of the PGF, Folorunsho Aluko, publicly denied claims that Uzodimma had been removed as chairman of the influential body.
Earlier reports on Thursday night had alleged that about 20 governors met at the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, where a decision was purportedly taken to oust the Imo governor from the leadership of the forum.
According to one of the reports published by THISDAY, six governors were said to have joined the meeting virtually via Zoom, while discussions reportedly centred on allegations of financial mismanagement and dissatisfaction with Uzodimma’s leadership style.
Sources quoted in the report claimed that members of the forum arrived at the decision after the governor allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding accusations levelled against him.
The report further alleged that the governors were considering Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as a possible replacement to lead the forum.
The development was also said to have occurred shortly after the submission of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential nomination forms, fueling political speculation within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, reacting to the reports in a statement issued Friday morning, Aluko dismissed the claims as false and misleading, insisting that no official meeting of the forum was convened, where such a decision was taken.
“No meeting of the forum was held at which any such decision was taken. The PGF Secretariat has no record of, and is not aware of, any resolution removing the chairman”, Aluko stated.
He reaffirmed that Uzodimma remains the authentic chairman of the forum.
“His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, remains the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum”, he added.
Aluko further maintained that the forum remained united despite the reports and ongoing speculation surrounding its leadership.
“The Progressive Governors Forum remains united, focused, and committed to its responsibilities”, the statement said.
The conflicting accounts have triggered fresh political tension within the APC and raised questions over possible divisions among governors elected on the platform of the ruling party.
As of the time of filing this report, Uzodimma had not personally responded to the allegations or the reports surrounding the alleged move to remove him from office.
