*Pledge complementary measures
*Implore leaders to shun divisive rhetoric*
*Rising number of APC governors shows Nigerians’ trust, says Sanwo-Olu
Segun James
All governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as well as support for his Renewed Hope Agenda and re-election in 2027.
The governors, under the aegis of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), threw their weight behind the recent re-engineering of the national security architecture by Tinubu, noting that the safety of citizens’ lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of the government.
They also called on Nigerians to remain calm in the face of the insecurity challenge, as governments are taking holistic measures to address it.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted the meeting held in Lagos.
The forum, led by the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, issued a communiqué at the end of the meeting, reiterating its confidence in Nigeria’s future as a united, peaceful, and prosperous country.
Members of the Forum, during the meeting, reviewed the security situation across the country, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for what they called “improved coordination” between Federal, state, and local security structures, as well as the courage and sacrifices of security agencies and community volunteers.
The APC governors hailed the president’s handling of security challenges, noting that the re-engineering of the country’s security architecture was in order.
Reading the communiqué, Governor Uzodimma said the PGF resolved to support the president’s effort by continuing to strengthen community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, conflict-prevention mechanisms, and support for victims of violence and disaster.
The communiqué read: “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 Forum commended Mr. President for the ongoing re-engineering in the security architecture of the country. Governors reiterated that the safety of lives and property remains a non-negotiable obligation of government. We resolved to continue strengthening community-based security initiatives, intelligence gathering, and conflict-prevention mechanisms, while supporting victims of violence and disaster.”
PGF undertook a review of the country’s political, economic, and social environment, noting that reforms must focus on improving lives, protecting citizens’ dignity, and expanding opportunities for Nigerians.
The forum hailed the president on his commitment to stabilising the economy and laying the foundations of sustainable growth through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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.
“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.
“We resolved to intensify state-level interventions in areas such as food production and distribution, support to small and medium-scale enterprises, youth employment, social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable, and targeted relief for workers and low-income households.
“The progressive governors are committed to working closely with Federal institutions and local governments to ensure that things keep improving, that no group is left behind, and that the gains of reforms continue to translate into visible improvements in the quality of life of the people.”
The forum noted the critical importance of infrastructure, urban renewal, and rural development in driving productivity, attracting investment, and improving living standards.
The governors commended Lagos State, notably, for its pioneering role in transport reforms, urban regeneration, and innovative financing models, and agreed to deepen peer-learning and inter-state collaboration in these areas.
The PGF resolved to scale up investments in roads, housing, public transport, water and sanitation, digital connectivity, and climate-resilient infrastructure, with a focus on inclusion and access for all communities.
It emphasised that infrastructure must be designed and delivered in a manner that is socially just, environmentally responsible, and responsive to the needs of the youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other often-marginalised groups.
Uzodimma said: “The Forum reiterated that effective local governance is central to delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots. Governors resolved to deepen reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and service delivery in local government administration, within the framework of the Constitution and in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
“We agreed to expand platforms for citizen engagement, including town hall meetings, consultation with traditional and religious leaders, civil society, labour, professional bodies, youth, and women’s groups.
“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.”
The forum also reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC, commending the party’s leadership for its efforts to strengthen internal democracy, discipline, reconciliation, and inclusiveness.
The governors pledged to continue playing a stabilising role within the party while ensuring the APC remained focused on delivering on 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. PGF emphasised that Progressive Governors see themselves as trustees of the people’s mandate and as a committee of leaders jointly responsible for translating the aspirations of Nigerians into tangible social and economic outcomes across the federation.”
The forum underscored the importance of social cohesion, inter-faith harmony and inter-ethnic understanding, urging leaders to use their voices and platforms to promote unity, moderation and respect, while isolating criminality and hate speech in all its forms.
Speaking during the closing session of the two-day meeting, Sanwo-Olu described their deliberations as a reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC and commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said he was grateful that all governors created time to participate fully in the meeting, adding that the depth of discussions reflected their dedication to strengthening governance.
“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,” he said.
The governor praised the unity displayed by the governors, saying their solidarity and cultural representation sent a strong signal of harmony.
“You came prepared, you represented your states beautifully, and Lagos is proud to host you.
“People back home will ask you for this cultural experience because you truly showed what unity in diversity means,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu announced that Lagos would host its first cultural festival in nearly a decade, on December 27, promising an event that would showcase the state’s heritage.
“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,” the governor said.
He commended the governors for dedication to improving the welfare of Nigerians.
“For the past 12 hours, we have asked ourselves tough questions: How do we better the lives of our people?
”How do we support our president and strengthen our country by supporting the national agenda?”
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the forum’s loyalty to Tinubu, whom he described as a father, leader, and humble statesman guiding Nigeria at a critical time.
“We have committed ourselves to supporting Mr President and ensuring his government succeeds and succeeds very well,” he said.
The governor applauded the increasing number of APC governors, crediting it to the forum’s leadership under Governor Uzodimma.
“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 said.
He said the meeting focused extensively on national security, with governors resolving to forward collective recommendations to the President.
“We discussed several ideas on strengthening security at the state and national levels.
“As chief security officers of our states, we will not leave anything undone to ensure peace continues to reign.”
Sanwo-Olu thanked PGF members for supporting Lagos as a model of progressive governance.
“They came not just to greet us, but to show they appreciate what the party is doing here.
“When the party is united, government becomes stronger, and governance becomes more effective.”
He pledged that Lagos would remain steadfast in upholding the APC’s values and delivering results across all sectors.
“We will not disappoint our party at the national, regional, or state levels. Lagos understands its leadership responsibilities, and we are ready and fully committed.”
The governor urged APC members and Lagos residents to sustain unity as the state prepares for the festive season.
“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,” the governor said.
