FFDGN 5th conference to focus on rebuilding trust Between leaders, citizens – Akomas
FFDGN 5th conference to focus on rebuilding trust Between leaders, citizens – Akomas
The Chairman of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, FFDGN, Dr. Chris Akomas, has said the forum’s 5th 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 disclosed this on Tuesday 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 said the conference, themed “Rethinking Nation Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect,” would provide practical recommendations for addressing governance challenges and strengthening democratic institutions.
According to him, the Board of Trustees resolved to visit the forum’s patrons to appreciate their consistent support, formally notify them of the conference and seek their participation.
The delegation also presented Ganduje with the proceedings of the forum’s 4th national conference and its 2026/2027 desk calendar.
Akomas described Ganduje as a committed supporter of the forum, noting that he had consistently attended its annual conferences or sent representatives whenever official engagements prevented his attendance.
The forum chairman added that members had earlier visited the forum’s Grand Patron, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who commended the steady growth of the organisation and expressed willingness to attend this year’s conference.
“The forum remains a non-partisan body committed to promoting national unity, democratic governance and sound public policy by leveraging the wealth of experience of former deputy governors,” Akomas said.
He also invited Ganduje to visit the forum’s national secretariat in recognition of his continued support.
Responding, Dr. 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.
“Former deputy governors possess the experience and credibility to mediate in political disputes and offer objective advice to serving public office holders*,” Ganduje stated.
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.
Ganduje accepted the invitation to attend the 5th national conference and commended the organisation for sustaining its advocacy on good governance.
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.