Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has dismissed reports of a major crisis within the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), describing the situation as only a “slight misunderstanding”.
Sani made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on a television political programme.
Reports had emerged last week claiming that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was removed as chairman of the forum and replaced by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah after a tense meeting in Abuja.
The reports also suggested that the APC governors’ forum had split into rival camps, with one group backing Uzodimma and another allegedly aligned with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Uzodimma, however, maintained that he remained chairman of the forum, while governors loyal to him later passed a vote of confidence in his leadership during a meeting in Abuja.
There were also claims that President Bola Tinubu intervened to calm the situation.
Speaking on the issue, Sani, who serves as vice-chairman of the forum, insisted that the disagreement had been settled.
“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 stated that all APC governors remain united and confirmed that Uzodimma is still the chairman of the forum.
“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 said.
Sani also dismissed claims of any leadership change within the group.
“I don’t think you will hear anything again. I can assure you, nothing will ever — you can’t hear anything again,” he added.
According to him, disagreements among political figures are normal in a democratic setting and should not be exaggerated.
“It’s normal to disagree. But like I said, my point is clear. You will never hear anything,” he said.
“It’s just a slight disagreement, not a serious issue, but a slight disagreement. But it has been resolved.”
He further noted that if there had truly been a change in leadership, he would have automatically stepped in as chairman in 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.”