Former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) have reaffirmed their continued allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unflinching loyalty to former President Muhammadu Buhari as the core reason behind their decision to remain within the ruling party, despite growing concerns of marginalisation.
The declaration, made through a statement signed by the National Secretary of the CPC Legacy Forum, Sulaiman Oyaremi, was released on Sunday as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group acknowledged dissatisfaction with their perceived exclusion from critical government roles and party structures but insisted that their commitment to Buhari’s ideals remains their guiding principle.
“Except for a handful among us, the overwhelming majority have resolved to stay the course in APC alongside our principal, former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement read. “Our duty is not only to him but also to the progress of the party and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. We remain committed to helping build an APC that gives all founding members and stakeholders a sense of ownership.”
The forum, which comprises former CPC state chairmen from across the country, expressed dismay over what they described as the continued sidelining of their bloc within the APC, particularly in terms of appointments and representation at both federal and state levels. According to them, despite their critical role in the formation and electoral successes of the APC since its merger, former CPC members have been left on the fringes of power.
While dismissing recent speculations suggesting a possible alliance with opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the group clarified that it has no intention of defecting or engaging in political realignment outside the APC fold.
The reaffirmation of loyalty came after a meeting held on April 16, chaired by former Nasarawa State Governor and prominent CPC figure, Senator Tanko Al-Makura. At the gathering, the bloc restated its support for President Tinubu and the APC. However, the move sparked internal disagreements, with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), questioning Al-Makura’s authority to speak on behalf of all ex-CPC members.
The statement admitted the reality of factional voices within the defunct CPC bloc, stating, “It is unfortunate that different camps have emerged, each attempting to speak for the CPC legacy. This fragmentation underscores the absence of a unified leadership within the group.”
Despite the internal schisms, the forum maintained that staying within or exiting the APC is a matter of personal political choice and should not serve as a point of division. “We do not hold anything against those who have chosen to leave the party. Our decision to stay is grounded in our unwavering respect for former President Buhari and our belief in the founding vision of the APC,” the group clarified.
As the political landscape heats up in anticipation of the next electoral cycle, the former CPC chairmen used the opportunity to urge President Tinubu and the APC-led governments at all levels to redirect focus from early campaign maneuvering to addressing Nigeria’s mounting challenges.
They cited escalating insecurity, economic hardship, and social unrest as urgent issues demanding immediate attention, warning that premature politicking could further alienate the electorate. “We call on the President and APC governments nationwide to prioritise the nation’s pressing challenges rather than being consumed by the politics of 2027,” the statement concluded.
Their message comes at a time when internal cohesion within the APC continues to face tests from legacy factions seeking recognition and relevance in a shifting power structure. The commitment of the CPC bloc to remain within the party may help stabilise the APC in the short term, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
