Forum of ex-CPC state chairmen dissociates self from members who visited Atiku

The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has disowned the recent visit of some of its members to Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president. 

On Wednesday, Abubakar hosted some of the forum members at his residence in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The former CPC chairmen pledged their support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition led by Abubakar.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the forum dissociated itself from the visit. 

The forum said while 16 of its 37 members have declared support for Abubakar, 20 remain committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

“We wish to state clearly that for some time now our Forum has been put under intense pressure, which includes financial gratification by opposition leaders, which accounts for why nine of our members succumbed to their pressure a few months ago and seven others joined them only last week, as it appears they could no longer resist the pressure,” the statement reads.

“As we speak however 20 of us remain unwaivering as we have lost one of our members from Bornu State.”

They asked the presidency and the APC to “urgently address the continued neglect of the CPC bloc”, particularly the former state chairmen who are “feeling increasingly alienated”.

“Without the fear of sounding immodest, we remain the direct link to the grassroots structures that gave the CPC its national relevance, and we were the Chairmen that worked with President Buhari of blessed memory to achieve the much-touted 12.5 million votes,” the statement reads.

“We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand better patronage just as we pray that the Almighty God shall continue to guide Mr President and all our leaders.”

The statement was signed by Kasim Mabo, national chairman; Sulaiman Oyaremi, secretary; Olalekan Obolo, south-west coordinator; Enyinnaya Ibiam Nnachi, south-east coordinator; and Ahmad Dawayo, north-east and north-west coordinator.

BACKGROUND

In 2013, the CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) merged to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, since the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the CPC founder, in July, there has been speculation that members of the now-defunct party may leave the APC.

Early this month, a group in the CPC bloc, including Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, and Tanko Almakura, ex-governor of Nasarawa, visited Tinubu at the State House, and promised to lead his re-election campaign in 2027.

In May, leaders of the defunct party distanced themselves from Nasir el-Rufai, the ex-governor of Kaduna, and Abubakar Malami, the former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, who have since left the party.