Fresh allegations have emerged surrounding the handling of funds reportedly sourced from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), with multiple sources claiming the controversy contributed to the removal of former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the funds were allegedly released to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and later moved into the financial structure of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), where disputes subsequently arose over accountability and utilisation.
One source close to the governors’ forum claimed the movement and management of the funds became a major source of concern within the political bloc, alleging that the development partly influenced the decision to remove Edun from office.
The controversy comes amid reports of growing tensions within the PGF over the handling of more than N800 billion allegedly raised by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election campaign ahead of 2027.
Earlier reports indicated that disagreements over the management of the funds triggered divisions among APC governors, with some governors reportedly backing Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah as a new leader within the group.
Governor Uzodimma, who chairs the PGF, was said to have overseen the funds, but sources alleged that tensions escalated after questions were raised about the accounting of the money and responses from the forum’s leadership were viewed as evasive.
According to insiders, APC governors had initially agreed to contribute funds through monthly deductions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee allocations, with the resources channelled through an account linked to the Renewed Hope Ambassador initiative.
The initiative was reportedly established to promote federal government policies and political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, with approval for the deductions said to have been obtained through then Finance Minister Wale Edun.
As political preparations intensified, another structure known as the Renewed Hope Network was reportedly introduced to coordinate campaign activities, with expectations that the funds already raised would be transferred into its accounts.
However, sources claimed controversy erupted after Uzodimma allegedly informed fellow governors that the funds had already been spent, a development that deepened mistrust within the forum.
President Tinubu was subsequently said to have intervened while on an official foreign trip, holding discussions with governors involved in the dispute in an effort to calm tensions and resolve disagreements over the funds.
Sources familiar with the intervention alleged that some of the money was later recovered, while attempts were made to determine the status of the remaining balance.
Insiders also claimed the President expressed dissatisfaction over the management of the financial arrangements, with some linking the fallout to wider concerns that preceded Edun’s eventual exit from office.
Beyond the financial dispute, tensions within the PGF were also said to revolve around leadership style and control of internal structures, with some governors reportedly accusing Uzodimma of exercising excessive influence within the forum.
Despite the reports, the Progressive Governors Forum recently dismissed claims that Uzodimma had been removed as chairman, describing the reports as false and without basis.
In a statement issued by the forum’s Director General, Folorunsho Aluko, the PGF insisted that no meeting had been held to discuss the removal of its chairman and maintained that Uzodimma continued to enjoy the confidence of APC governors.
The forum further stated that there was no official record of any resolution concerning a leadership change and urged party members and the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
