Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses, some party governors have reportedly begun moves to strengthen their influence across the party’s structures nationwide.
According to Leadership, the effort is intended to create a pathway for the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, who also serves as chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, to become the next President of the 11th Senate when it opens in June 2027.
Uzodimma, who won a second term in November 2023, is eligible to seek the Senate seat while still holding office.
According to Leadership, if he pursues the position, he could resign as governor to fully focus on securing the Senate presidency with the support of fellow governors.
The success of this plan may depend on the endorsement of the president and cooperation among party leaders in deciding the National Assembly leadership.
The source said, “For the Imo governor, he is not the one bent on getting there, but his colleagues are the ones encouraging him to do so and they are not relenting; they are pressing hard and using proxies to mount pressure on Mr President and even the national leadership of the party to allow them (governors) to have an unfettered privilege to handpick their preferred choices for both Senate and House of Representatives leadership.”
The Imo governor, through his media aide, said he was unaware of the ongoing support from his colleagues but welcomed the idea.
He described the backing as a reflection of the good relationship among the governors and expressed openness to the opportunity, calling it “good tidings.”
Uzodimma also reassured that the APC will continue to hold credible congresses and primaries, dismissing suggestions that governors are taking over the party’s processes.
Uzodimma’s return to the Senate would mark a continuation of his political career, having previously served as a senator from 2011 to 2019.
Historically, Nigeria’s Senate has often become the next platform for governors completing their two-term tenure, and some sources say outgoing governors have informal agreements with national party leadership to secure Senate positions.
As of now, it is unclear if President Bola Tinubu has officially endorsed the governors’ plan to influence the selection of National Assembly candidates from their states.
