Former members of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who played a pivotal role in establishing the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirmed their commitment to the APC during a meeting held yesterday.
Following the recent transition of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), rumors began circulating about potential defections among loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari from the ruling party.
However, after a special meeting in Abuja, key members of the CPC faction within the APC declared that they have no intention of leaving the ruling party or joining any opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
In a seven-point statement issued to the press, the core members asserted: “Recent misleading claims regarding defections or discontent among CPC stakeholders are unfounded, deceptive, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital component of the APC and are fully committed to its leadership and objectives.”
While reiterating their allegiance to the APC, the former CPC members expressed their support for Tinubu, emphasizing that “the CPC family continues to be an essential pillar of the APC and will actively contribute to its development and the advancement of Nigeria.”
The communiqué was signed by Senators Umaru Al-Makura, Ibrahim Musa, and Mustafa Salihu, along with Dr. Nasiru Argungu, Dr. Dominic Alancha, Aminu Masari, Adamu Adamu, Farouk Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Waziri Bulama, and Ayuba Balami.
Included in the group are Osita Okechukwu, Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Mutallib Badmus, Muhammed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Jerry Johnson, and Alkali Ajikolo.
A portion of the communiqué states: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, who played a pivotal role in the historic merger that led to the formation of the APC, hereby issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our esteemed party and to express our strong support for the Tinubu administration.
“We want to make it clear that we have not departed from the APC, nor do we plan to do so. The CPC faction remains one of the foundational pillars of the APC, and we are steadfast in our dedication to the party and its progressive principles.”
Nevertheless, they called on APC leaders to enhance engagement with members at all levels, emphasizing that improved internal communication would alleviate tensions, promote inclusivity, and bolster support for the party’s initiatives.
“Continuous nurturing of party unity is essential to maintain our achievements and secure our future,” they asserted.
