FFDGN Charts Path to Bridge Leadership-Citizen Divide

The Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN), Dr. Chris Akomas, has said the forum’s fifth National Conference will focus on rebuilding trust between leaders and citizens as part of efforts to promote national unity, good governance and sustainable development.

Akomas made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the forum to its National Patron and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, ahead of the conference scheduled for October 20 and 21 in Abuja. He explained that the conference, themed “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect,” would generate practical recommendations for addressing governance challenges and strengthening democratic institutions.
He said the Board of Trustees resolved to visit the forum’s patrons to appreciate their continued support, formally notify them of the conference and seek their participation. During the visit, the delegation presented Ganduje with the proceedings of the forum’s fourth National Conference and its 2026/2027 desk calendar. Akomas described Ganduje as a steadfast supporter who has consistently attended the forum’s annual conferences or delegated representatives whenever official engagements prevented his attendance.
The FFDGN chairman disclosed that members had earlier visited the forum’s Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who commended the organisation’s steady growth and expressed willingness to attend this year’s conference. He reaffirmed that the forum remains a non-partisan body committed to promoting national unity, democratic governance and sound public policy by drawing on the experience of former deputy governors. He also invited Ganduje to visit the forum’s national secretariat in recognition of his continued support.
Responding, Ganduje urged the forum to play a more active role in reconciling serving governors and their deputies whenever disagreements arise, saying such interventions would strengthen democratic governance and political stability. He noted that former deputy governors possess the experience and credibility to mediate political disputes and provide objective advice to serving public office holders.
The former Kano State governor also called on the forum to examine the recurring conflicts between outgoing governors and their successors, describing the trend as a growing challenge to Nigeria’s democracy. He accepted the invitation to attend the fifth National Conference and commended the organisation for its sustained advocacy for good governance, saying the impact of its programmes reflects its seriousness and relevance to national development.
The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria is a non-partisan body comprising former deputy governors from the country’s 36 states. It provides a platform for members to share governance experiences and make policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic and socio-economic development.