A gathering of former state chairpersons from the now-defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has reaffirmed its allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, rejecting recent rumors of a possible coalition involving CPC members and opposition leaders in anticipation of the 2027 elections. In a statement released on Sunday, the forum’s National Secretary, Sulaiman Oyaremi, emphasized the group’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu and fostering a more inclusive All Progressives Congress (APC).
‘We believe it is our duty to back the current party leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and aid in transforming the APC into an inclusive entity where all stakeholders feel a sense of belonging and ownership,’ Oyaremi remarked. Recent speculations have indicated that prominent figures from the CPC faction might join forces with opposition leaders such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in a potential coalition against President Tinubu.
However, on April 16, several ex-CPC members, led by former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, publicly distanced themselves from these claims and reaffirmed their support for Tinubu and the APC. This led to a response from former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), who on April 17 asserted that Al-Makura and his group did not possess the authority to represent the entire CPC faction.
In addressing the internal conflicts, Oyaremi highlighted the absence of a singular, recognized leadership within the former CPC group, noting that the existence of multiple factions claiming to represent the defunct party indicates a lack of cohesive leadership. He further expressed concern that this scenario points to a potential deficiency in inclusivity within the APC leadership and the resultant government.
The forum expressed its concerns regarding the treatment of its members, particularly the former state chairmen, who they believe have not received adequate recognition in terms of appointments or roles within the party. “It is an undeniable fact that members of the defunct CPC, especially the former state chairmen of the legacy party, have not been treated justly in terms of government appointments or party structures at both national and state levels, despite their contributions to the party’s electoral achievements,” the statement indicated.
The forum recognized that individuals have the right to either remain in or leave the APC. However, clarifying their stance, the forum emphasized that as representatives of the former CPC state chairmen, they harbor no ill feelings towards those who have opted to exit the APC.
They further asserted, with clarity, that with a few exceptions, they are united in their commitment to stay within the party alongside their leader, former President Muhammadu Buhari. Additionally, the forum called upon President Tinubu and the APC-led governments to redirect their attention from electoral matters to the urgent issues confronting Nigerians.
“We also wish to draw the President’s attention to the various challenges faced by Nigerians. The escalating levels of insecurity and economic hardship are becoming existential threats for many citizens. Therefore, it is crucial for the President, APC governments at all levels, and the party leadership to prioritize these governance issues over the 2027 elections as we approach the second anniversary of the current administration,” the statement concluded.
