…Senate rule tweak, governors’ revolt and Presidency intervention reshape APC power game
Power Struggle Inside APC
Investigations across party and government circles point to a quiet but intensifying power struggle within Nigeria’s ruling elite, involving a former South-South governor now serving as a powerful minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, alongside a top presiding officer in the National Assembly, in what insiders describe as a coordinated effort to weaken the position of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
Multiple sources familiar with developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC) say the confrontation spans both the legislature and the governors’ forum, with Uzodimma emerging as a central figure in a widening internal contest over influence ahead of 2027.
Senate Rule Amendment Sparks First Flashpoint
According to several legislative insiders, the first phase of the power play began in the Senate, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio allegedly presided over a controversial amendment to the Senate Standing Orders, widely interpreted within political circles as an attempt to indirectly limit Uzodimma’s pathway to the Senate Presidency in the next Assembly.
The amendment reportedly tightened eligibility criteria for leadership positions, introducing stricter interpretations of zoning arrangements, ranking seniority, and prior presiding experience within the chamber. Although Uzodimma was not explicitly mentioned, insiders say the timing and political context left little doubt about the intended direction of the adjustment.
Presidency Intervention Forces Reversal
In reaction, sources said the Presidency intervened quietly, warning that the recalibration of Senate rules risked destabilising delicate political arrangements already being shaped ahead of the 2027 elections.
Within 72 hours, the Senate leadership reportedly reversed or suspended key aspects of the amendment, restoring the earlier framework following what insiders described as “strong intervention from the Villa,” effectively defusing the first stanza of the unfolding political tension.
New Battlefront Opens At Governors’ Forum
Attention subsequently shifted to Uzodimma’s position within the APC governors’ forum, where he serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors, a platform comprising all 32 APC governors nationwide.
A party insider said a gang up involving the same South-South former governor-turned-minister and a senior National Assembly principal officer began mobilising quietly to dislodge Uzodimma from the position, arguing for a “rebalancing” of influence among the governors
Ogun State Govt Lodge Meeting and Early Pushback
The first major confrontation reportedly unfolded during a discreet meeting at the Ogun State Government House Lodge in Abuja, where about 18 APC governors were said to have gathered in what was initially presented as a routine strategic engagement.
However, sources said discussions gradually shifted toward leadership of the PGF, with moves initiated to replace Uzodimma as chairman, triggering sharp divisions among the governors present.
Mbah’s Option and Internal Division
According to some top level sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the camp pushing for change reportedly floated alternative leadership arrangements, including support for Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, whose name briefly gained traction among a section of the governors.
However, the proposal reportedly failed to achieve consensus as opposing blocs within the forum resisted what they described as an “untimely disruption” of existing party balance.
Presidency Steps In Again
Multiple sources confirmed that the attempt to realign the PGF leadership was again halted following swift intervention from the Presidency, which reportedly expressed concern over growing cracks within the governors’ forum at a politically sensitive period ahead of the 2027 elections.
A senior government official said the intervention was motivated by fears that internal instability within the APC governors forum could undermine broader party cohesion.
Uzodimma’s Strategic Value To The Villa
According to a senior aide familiar with the discussions, the Presidency views Uzodimma as a key stabilising figure in the South-East political structure of the APC, particularly due to his ability to mobilise support across opposition lines.
“He has demonstrated capacity to bring governors and major political actors into alignment with the President’s agenda,” the source said, adding that his role is seen as critical in consolidating APC presence in the region.
Rising Tensions Within APC Power Circles
One source close to the matter described the unfolding events as “a failed two-front operation” targeting both the Senate structure and the APC governors’ forum, adding that the strategy underestimated the Presidency’s preference for stability over internal disruption.
The collapse of both efforts has reportedly forced key actors to reassess their political positioning within the ruling party.
Rivers Politics and Lingering Grievances
Complicating the broader dynamics, sources also point to underlying tensions linked to Rivers State politics, where a former governor is said to harbour grievances against Uzodimma following political realignments involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara’s movement from the PDP to the APC reportedly triggered wider friction, deepening mistrust between Uzodimma and the Minister.
Battle Not Over Yet, Say Insiders
Despite the setback, insiders insist the struggle is not concluded but has merely shifted phase.
However, for now, sources say Uzodimma retains his position as PGF chairman, with his standing within both the governors’ forum and the Presidency appearing significantly reinforced after the failed attempts to unseat him.
