By Collins Ughalaa
As Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma has emerged as a stabilising force in Nigerian politics. His leadership has not only reinforced party cohesion but also redefined the relevance of the PGF while driving transformative governance in Imo State.
The PGF, comprising governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC), serves as a platform for collaboration, policy coordination, and experience sharing among its members.
On May 31, 2023, Governor Uzodimma was unanimously elected Chairman of the PGF, a development widely seen as significant for both the APC and national politics. In this role, he has fostered unity and strengthened the APC’s agenda across states, deploying his leadership acumen to promote effective governance and cooperation among governors.
News of his emergence as PGF Chairman was met with optimism. Newspapers were awash with commentary on how his leadership could foster cohesion within the APC, particularly among its governors and rank-and-file members.
Reporting on May 31, 2023, Vanguard newspaper stated:
“As Chairman of the forum, Governor Uzodimma will play a crucial role in guiding the forum’s activities, fostering unity among the governors, and driving the agenda of the APC across the States.
“With this new position, Governor Uzodimma will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping the policies and strategies of the APC. He will be at the forefront of discussions and decision-making processes that will have a direct impact on the party’s direction and the development of the country. His leadership will be vital in promoting effective governance, encouraging collaboration among states, and ensuring the implementation of APC’s progressive agenda.”
So far, Governor Uzodimma has lived up to expectations. His tenure as PGF Chairman has brought renewed focus and a deepened sense of purpose. He has worked to reinforce internal party structures, strengthen unity, and promote a culture of inclusion and consensus.
Through active mediation and bridge-building, he has helped resolve intra-party disputes, easing tensions, and fostering collective direction. Under his leadership, the PGF has become more united and focused, with governors aligning more closely in support of party goals and national priorities.
Unlike the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) during the PDP era, which was often perceived as a counterweight to the federal government, the PGF under Governor Uzodimma’s stewardship has maintained a progressive posture, mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its policies.
Under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has gained renewed relevance and credibility. The APC has not only become more organised but also more appealing to Nigerians. His reputation for integrity and statesmanship has bolstered the party’s image both nationally and internationally.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2025, Governor Uzodimma led the PGF to the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where he moved the motion for the selection of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the new National Chairman of the APC. This strategic move caught the opposition off guard, particularly those who had hoped the meeting would end in stalemate.
His chairmanship has brought about a new era of progressive leadership, redefining the influence and visibility of the PGF at home and abroad. He has deepened inter-party engagement, strengthened dialogue with other political formations, and championed a collaborative, issues-based political culture.
Beyond politics, Governor Uzodimma has been a tireless advocate for good governance. He promotes transparency, accountability, and active citizen engagement while also ensuring that the voices and concerns of his fellow governors are effectively represented at the national level.
At home in Imo State, the governor is delivering on his mandate with a governance model focused on results. The state is undergoing a transformation marked by massive infrastructure upgrades and bold economic reforms, which have become reference points for good governance.
The Uzodimma administration has prioritised infrastructure, with significant investments across key sectors including healthcare, education, energy, the economy, youth empowerment, and internal security. Under his “3R” policy agenda (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery), over 150 roads have been completed, with more underway. These include major economic arteries such as the Owerri–Okigwe Road, Owerri–Orlu Road, Owerri–Umuahia Road, and Owerri–Port Harcourt Road. These projects go beyond connecting communities; they are economic lifelines, stimulating trade, investment, and mobility.
On the economic front, the governor has introduced forward-looking models aimed at stimulating inclusive growth. His administration has developed a robust industrial policy targeting key sectors such as the digital economy, agro-industry, tourism, oil and gas, and fabrication. Through the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Governance, the government is implementing the Skill-Up Imo programme, with a goal of equipping 300,000 youths with the digital competencies required for the global knowledge economy.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the people of Imo State continue to express overwhelming support for Governor Uzodimma. His performance in office and his national leadership role as PGF Chairman have earned him wide acclaim. He has maintained a delicate yet effective balance between his state duties and national responsibilities, proving that leadership, when focused and strategic, can transform both the party and the people.
With a clear vision and purposeful execution, Imo State is poised for sustained growth and inclusive development under Governor Uzodimma’s leadership.
Hon. Collins Ughalaa is the Special Adviser (Public Orientation) to the Governor.
