BY CHIJIIOKE. CHARLES
Governor Uba Sani has downplayed the recent crisis rocking the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), insisting that the disagreement within the ruling All Progressives Congress was merely a “slight misunderstanding” that has now been resolved.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television�, the Kaduna governor said there was never any formal change in the leadership of the forum, maintaining that Hope Uzodimma remains chairman of the PGF.
TheCable had earlier reported growing tension within the governors’ forum after claims emerged that Uzodimma had allegedly been replaced by Peter Mbah following a closed-door meeting in Abuja. The development reportedly created factions within the APC governors’ bloc, with separate camps linked to Dapo Abiodun and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
However, Sani dismissed suggestions of a deep division within the forum.
“In my own opinion, I don’t think it’s a serious issue, like many people try to make it look like it’s a very serious issue,” he said.
“Because, you know, in everything we are talking about democracy, people can choose to disagree and agree. So, in my own opinion, it was just a slight misunderstanding.”
The Kaduna governor, who serves as vice-chairman of the forum, stressed that all APC governors are now united behind Uzodimma’s leadership.
“At the moment, there’s no problem. All the governors are together. His Excellency Hope Uzodimma is the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum. My humble self, Senator Uba Sani, is the vice chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum,” he stated.
Sani further assured party supporters that the dispute had been settled completely.
“I don’t think you will hear anything again. I can assure you, nothing will ever — you can’t hear anything again,” he added.
“It’s just a slight disagreement, not a serious issue, but a slight disagreement. But it has been resolved.”
The governor also argued that if there had truly been a leadership shake-up, he would naturally have assumed office in line with his role as deputy chairman.
“And of course, if there’s any change of leadership sitting here as the vice chairman, I could have taken over,” he said.
“But I can tell you, you see, I was there. And I was the one who made that statement, clear that we are united. Everything is okay.”
The controversy had triggered intense political speculation within the APC, especially amid concerns over internal power alignments ahead of future political calculations within the ruling party. Reports of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervening in the matter also underscored fears that prolonged divisions among APC governors could weaken party cohesion.
Political observers say Sani’s latest comments appear aimed at calming tensions and projecting unity within the governors’ forum after days of conflicting narratives surrounding the PGF leadership.
