Fresh allegations surrounding Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) funds have intensified internal tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with claims linking Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to a growing financial dispute inside the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that NLNG-related funds were released to Uzodimma before being moved into the financial structure of the PGF, where concerns later emerged over accountability and utilisation of the money.
Insiders claimed the controversy partly contributed to the removal of former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. According to sources, the former minister had approved financial arrangements tied to political mobilisation structures connected to President Bola Tinubu’s anticipated 2027 re-election campaign.
The dispute reportedly escalated after governors began questioning the handling of more than N800 billion allegedly raised through deductions from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. The funds were said to have been channelled through the Renewed Hope Ambassador (RHA) platform, a structure created to promote the federal government’s programmes ahead of the next general elections.
As preparations for 2027 reportedly gathered momentum, another political structure known as the Renewed Hope Network (RHN) was created for campaign coordination. Sources said tensions rose after expectations that funds would be transferred into the new structure were met with claims that the money had already been spent.
The disagreement is said to have triggered serious divisions within the Progressive Governors Forum, with some APC governors reportedly demanding clearer financial accountability from Uzodimma, who chairs the group. Allegations that the governor became evasive during discussions over the funds reportedly deepened mistrust among members.
President Bola Tinubu was also said to have intervened in the crisis while on an official foreign trip, holding consultations with governors involved in the dispute. Sources claimed that part of the disputed funds had since been recovered, while efforts were ongoing to reconcile remaining balances and restore unity within the forum.
The controversy has further fuelled claims of power struggles within the APC governors’ bloc, with some governors reportedly accusing Uzodimma of wielding excessive influence over the PGF structure at the expense of the wider Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Despite the growing speculation, the Progressive Governors Forum has denied reports suggesting Uzodimma was removed as chairman. In a statement signed by the forum’s Director General, Folorunsho Aluko, the PGF described such reports as false and fabricated, insisting that no meeting was held to discuss any leadership change.
“The Forum remains united, focused, and committed to its responsibilities,” the statement said, adding that Uzodimma still enjoys the confidence and backing of APC governors nationwide.
