Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and formally endorsed him for re-election in 2027. They also reaffirmed their support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meeting under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the governors expressed strong backing for Tinubu’s recent overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the government’s “non-negotiable obligation.” The two-day meeting, hosted in Lagos by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was led by PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who issued a communiqué at the end of the deliberations.
In the communiqué, the governors reviewed the nation’s security situation and commended the “improved coordination” among federal, state, and local security agencies. They also acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel and community volunteers.
Uzodimma quoted the communiqué, saying: “The Forum reviewed the security situation across the country and expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers. We then resolved to strengthen the regional security architecture in all the member states.”
The governors further praised Tinubu’s restructuring of the security system,
describing it as both timely and necessary.
“The Forum commended Mr. President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country,” Uzodimma said, adding that states would continue strengthening community-based security networks, intelligence gathering, and conflict-prevention mechanisms.
The Forum also evaluated the nation’s economic climate, acknowledging the pressures facing Nigerians due to ongoing macro-economic reforms.
Uzodimma said: “Recognising the temporary burdens that accompany necessary macro-economic reforms, the Forum reviewed the state of the economy and the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by citizens.”
He added that the governors appreciated the resilience of Nigerians:
“Governors acknowledged the resilience and patience of Nigerians and expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices being made in the collective interest of a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
They resolved to boost state-level interventions, particularly in food production, MSME support, youth employment, social protection for vulnerable households, and targeted relief programmes for workers and low-income groups.
The governors emphasised the importance of infrastructure, urban renewal, and rural development in stimulating productivity and attracting investments. They commended Lagos for its pioneering work in transportation reforms and urban regeneration, agreeing to deepen inter-state collaboration in these areas. They also committed to scaling up investments in roads, housing, water and sanitation, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient projects with attention to youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Uzodimma underscored the importance of strengthened local governance, noting:
“The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda… Governors resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery in local government administration.”
The Forum also agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement through town halls, consultations with traditional rulers, civil society, labour unions, and youth organisations.
Uzodimma added: “The Forum affirmed that listening to the people, explaining government policies clearly, and adjusting implementation strategies based on feedback are essential to building trust and sustaining democratic legitimacy.”
Reaffirming loyalty to the APC, the governors pledged to strengthen internal democracy and ensure the party stays focused on delivering its mandate.
“The Forum reaffirmed its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policies of APC governments at all levels,” the communiqué stated.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu described their deliberations as a reaffirmation of loyalty to Tinubu and commitment to national progress.
He said: “I want to sincerely thank my colleagues for staying through more than 12 hours of rigorous discussions… It is never easy, but you all showed exceptional commitment to the progress of our nation.”
Sanwo-Olu commended the unity displayed by the governors and announced the revival of Lagos’ cultural festival scheduled for December 27.
“This year, about 10,000 of our people will proudly wear the festival uniform. We are excited to revive this tradition and grandly celebrate our culture,” he said.
He reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to Tinubu’s leadership:
“We have committed ourselves to supporting Mr President and ensuring his government succeeds and succeeds very well.”
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the Forum’s growth, noting:
“We are now 25 progressive governors. When we began, we were barely 18 or 19. This growth shows that Nigerians trust our party’s direction.”
He also stressed that the meeting focused heavily on national security and that governors would forward collective recommendations to the President.
“As chief security officers of our states, we will not leave anything undone to ensure peace continues to reign,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu thanked his colleagues for supporting Lagos as a model of progressive governance and pledged that the state would remain committed to the APC’s values and national agenda.
“We remain committed, we remain progressive, and we remain focused on delivering for our people… Lagos will continue to stand strong for the progress of our party and our nation,” he said.
