‘We’re loyal to Tinubu’s administration’ — former CPC leaders dismiss plot to exit APC

Some former members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have reaffirmed their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.

The CPC — the party of former President Muhammadu Buhari — was part of the alliance that gave birth to the APC and eventually ousted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in 2015 after its 16-year rule.

The party teamed up with the new PDP (nPDP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the APC.

However, there have been growing talks by the opposition parties of a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 elections to challenge the ruling APC.

Amid realignments by stakeholders, there have also been rumours that the CPC bloc within the APC may also pull out of the ruling party.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, former CPC leaders described the reports of defection among their members as “false and mischievous.”

The former CPC members said they “remain resolutely committed to the APC,” describing the party 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 reads.

“We wish to state categorically that 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.”

The ex-CPC leaders said they are proud of the sacrifices made to build the APC and warned against any attempt to dismantle the platform.

“We will not allow some people to dismantle the party we helped to build through years of tireless work and dedication,” the group said.

The former CPC leaders described ongoing attempts to sow disunity in the APC as acts of “division and desperation” that they “totally reject.”

“We align ourselves fully with the economic and governance reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu,” the CPC leaders said.

“Though challenging, these policies are necessary steps to rebuild our economy and secure a better future for all Nigerians.

“We urge patience and collective support as the benefits unfold; while we acknowledge that some party members may feel sidelined, we emphasize that such grievances are not exclusive to any one bloc.

“We advise those concerned to seek redress through constitutional channels within the party and not to resort to negative public agitation or hasty exits from the party.”

The former CPC leaders called on all APC members to work together to preserve the party’s legacy and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

The statement 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, a former member of the house of representatives.

Others 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).