Some former members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have reaffirmed their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dismissing rumours of defection and coalition talks with opposition figures.
The CPC, the party of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was a key player in the alliance that formed the APC in 2013. The coalition of CPC, the new PDP (nPDP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) successfully ended the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 16-year rule in 2015.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, there have been increased discussions about opposition parties forming coalitions to challenge the ruling APC. Speculation has also arisen about a possible CPC bloc withdrawal from the APC amid political realignments.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, former CPC leaders described reports of defections as “false and mischievous.” They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the APC, describing it as a “collective project” that must be protected.
“We, the undersigned leaders and committed members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who were part of those instrumental in the historic merger that gave birth to the All Progressives Congress (APC), hereby issue this statement to clarify our unalloyed loyalty to our great party and express firm solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.
The group emphasized: “We have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the legacy foundations of the APC, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.”
They expressed pride in the sacrifices made to build the APC and warned against any efforts to dismantle the party.
“We will not allow some people to dismantle the party we helped to build through years of tireless work and dedication,” the statement said.
The former CPC leaders condemned ongoing attempts to sow discord within the APC as acts of “division and desperation” which they “totally reject.” They pledged full alignment with the economic and governance reforms being pursued by President Tinubu.
“Though challenging, these policies are necessary steps to rebuild our economy and secure a better future for all Nigerians,” the statement said. “We urge patience and collective support as the benefits unfold. While we acknowledge that some party members may feel sidelined, such grievances are not exclusive to any one bloc.”
They advised members with concerns to seek redress through constitutional channels within the party rather than resorting to public agitation or premature exits.
The statement concluded with a call for unity, urging all APC members to work together to preserve the party’s legacy and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
The declaration was signed by 23 former CPC leaders, including Umaru Al-Makura, former governor of Nasarawa; Aminu Masari, former governor of Katsina; Adamu Adamu, former education minister; and Farouk Aliyu, former member of the House of Representatives.
Others who signed include Lucy Ajayi, former executive director of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board; Okoi Obono-Obla, former presidential aide; and Osita Okechukwu, former director-general of the Voice of Nigeria (VON).
