APC congresses preparations gain momentum as governors demand transparency, digital membership reforms, unity, and coordinated planning ahead of convention.
The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has intensified its call for openness, structure, and uniform standards in the conduct of APC congresses and the party’s forthcoming national convention, warning that credibility and internal trust must not be compromised at any stage of the process.
After a high-level strategy session with national party leaders in Abuja, the Forum said the success of the next round of internal exercises would depend largely on transparent coordination, shared rules, and consistent enforcement across all states.
The governors stressed that party processes must be predictable and verifiable, regardless of local political differences or whether the party currently controls a state government.
PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the Forum agreed that a credible framework for APC congresses would strengthen both internal democracy and public confidence in the party’s wider governance agenda.
According to him, the governors resolved that fairness and accountability must be visible, not just promised, throughout delegate selection, voting procedures, and dispute resolution channels.
He explained that the Forum’s position is rooted in the belief that strong internal systems produce stronger electoral outcomes.
When party members trust the process, participation increases and post-congress disputes reduce. That stability, he noted, ultimately benefits governance and policy continuity.
The governors also reaffirmed their loyalty to party unity, describing cohesion as a strategic asset rather than a slogan.
They urged party stakeholders at ward, local government, and state levels to maintain discipline and avoid actions capable of creating avoidable factions.
The Forum said consistent messaging and responsible leadership communication will be critical as APC congresses approach.
Part of the Abuja meeting focused on technology-driven reforms inside the party. The governors received a detailed briefing on the ongoing electronic membership registration and database update project being rolled out nationwide.
The digital platform is designed to clean up membership records, reduce duplication, and provide more reliable demographic insights for planning and mobilization.
Uzodimma noted that early data from the system shows rising enrollment among younger members, indicating a generational shift in participation.
He added that linking records with the National Identity Number is expected to improve verification standards and long-term data accuracy.
With better data, party administrators can plan outreach, training, and engagement with greater precision.
The Forum expressed support for integrating these digital tools into preparations for APC congresses, saying technology can reduce manipulation risks and improve transparency if properly deployed and independently monitored.
However, the governors also cautioned that digital systems must be backed by human oversight and clear grievance procedures.
In addition, the governors endorsed the timetable and structural guidelines earlier approved by the party’s National Executive Committee for the congress cycle and the national convention.
They said sticking to the approved calendar would prevent confusion and overlapping authority.
The Forum commended the national leadership for releasing procedural frameworks early enough to allow consultations and adjustments where necessary.
Beyond administrative planning, the PGF announced a series of inter-state engagements aimed at reinforcing grassroots party structures.
These visits are expected to bring governors and senior officials into direct contact with local stakeholders ahead of APC congresses, helping to resolve tensions early and align expectations.
The outreach effort will begin with a scheduled visit to Taraba State, with additional stops to follow.
The Forum also used the opportunity to welcome additional governors into its fold, describing expansion of the group as a positive sign of broader alignment within the party.
According to the communiqué, stronger collaboration among governors improves policy coordination and stabilizes party direction across regions.
On governance matters, the PGF reiterated its commitment to reforms that promote inclusion, accountability, and measurable development outcomes.
Members said party organization and public governance should reflect the same standards of transparency being demanded in internal exercises.
They linked credible party structures to credible public leadership, arguing that one reinforces the other.
The governors further pledged continued cooperation with the presidency in delivering people-focused programs and maintaining policy continuity.
They expressed appreciation for national leadership support and said collaboration between federal and state authorities remains essential for economic and social progress.
Observers note that the strong emphasis on process integrity signals an attempt to minimize internal disputes that often follow party congress cycles.
By pushing early for uniform standards, the PGF appears focused on prevention rather than post-conflict resolution.
If implemented as outlined, the measures could shape how APC congresses are conducted across the country and influence how other parties manage their own internal elections.
The Forum concluded that unity, rule-based procedures, and modernized membership systems will define the next phase of party organization.
It encouraged members at all levels to engage constructively, follow guidelines, and prioritize collective success over individual advantage.
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