Leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have declared “their unwavering” loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group, led by Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the former governor of Nasarawa, distanced itself from a faction of the defunct CPC reportedly led by Nasir El-Rufai, the ex-governor of Kaduna, and Abubakar Malami, the former attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.
Al-Makura addressed journalists in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting of CPC stakeholders, who identified themselves as founding pillars of the APC.
The former governor said the group remains united and firmly aligned with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.
Advertisement
“We have come together today with clarity, unity, and purpose,” he said.
“We are here to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that brought us together in 2013, to set the records straight, and to send a clear message to all Nigerians that the former CPC majority stakeholders remain strong, united, and deeply loyal to the All Progressives Congress and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
Al-Makura dismissed reports suggesting that the CPC bloc has exited the APC.
Advertisement
“Recent developments have seen a flood of speculation and misinformation about the position of the former CPC within the APC,” he said.
“Let it be known clearly that we have not left the APC. We are very much here, standing tall, standing proud, and standing firm within the party that we helped to found through sweat, sacrifice, and patriotic commitment.
“We remain part and parcel of the APC family.”
The former governor recalled the role CPC leaders played in forming the APC, citing the coalition with other parties which led to the historic defeat of an incumbent in 2015.
Advertisement
“We recall with pride how we in the CPC, in collaboration with other patriots in ACN, ANPP, APGA, DPP, and nPDP, contributed enormously to the spirit of unity and national cohesion that led to the defeat of an incumbent government in 2015 and ushered in a new era under the leadership of our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
“It is this spirit of sacrifice, patriotism, and commitment to Nigeria’s future that guides our every action.”
He admitted that the country is currently going through tough times but expressed confidence in Tinubu’s policies and leadership.
“Today, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria faces challenging but necessary reforms,” he said.
Advertisement
“As responsible citizens and co-founders of this political party, we believe that now more than ever, we must remain steadfast, patient, and supportive.
“We commend the bold steps taken by President Tinubu, and we urge Nigerians to trust the process, knowing that the foundation being laid today will lead to a more prosperous and secure future.”
Advertisement
He called on aggrieved members of the APC to explore internal mechanisms for resolving grievances.
“To our brothers and sisters who may feel aggrieved, we urge them to explore options within the party to resolve their grievances through dialogue, patience, and perseverance. True loyalty is tested not in times of comfort but in times of travail,” he said.
Advertisement
“We urge all to use the structures and constitutional avenues forward; we do so with renewed strength, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unshakeable commitment to the APC and the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and ultimately, the future of our beloved country.”
Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, was present at the briefing alongside his predecessor, Aminu Masari; Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation; and Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Advertisement
On May 2, Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa, dismissed speculations that Buhari and Malami were planning to dump the APC ahead of the 2027 general election.
“There is nothing like taking CPC away. Our father, former President Muhammadu Buhari, is CPC — no other person,” the governor had said.
