Ahead of the 2027 general elections, former state chairmen of the now-defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) have reaffirmed their loyalty to former President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that their continued stay in the All Progressives Congress (APC) is rooted in their commitment to him.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the forum’s National Secretary, Sulaiman Oyaremi, the ex-CPC leaders pledged continued support for the APC, while voicing concern over internal divisions and the sidelining of their bloc within the party.
“With the exception of a few, we are united in our decision to remain in the APC with our principal, former President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement said. “We believe it is our duty to support the party’s current leader, President Bola Tinubu, and work towards a more inclusive APC where every stakeholder feels valued.”
The forum lamented the persistent marginalisation of former CPC members in both appointments and the party’s structure, despite their role in the APC’s formation and electoral successes.
“Former CPC members, particularly ex-state chairmen, have not received fair representation in government appointments or within the party’s power structure at both national and state levels,” the statement noted.
Amid speculation that some CPC elements may align with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, the forum distanced itself from such political realignments. This follows an April 16 meeting led by former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, where CPC loyalists reiterated their support for Tinubu and the APC.
However, the meeting drew criticism from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami (SAN), who argued that Al-Makura lacked the authority to speak on behalf of the CPC bloc. The forum acknowledged the lack of unified leadership within the defunct CPC camp, citing multiple factions claiming to represent its interests.
“Unfortunately, the emergence of various camps speaking for the CPC highlights a leadership vacuum in the bloc,” the forum stated.
Despite internal differences, the former CPC chairmen emphasized that remaining in or leaving the APC is a personal democratic choice and should not lead to further divisions. “We hold no grudge against those who have left,” they said, reaffirming their own commitment to stay, guided by allegiance to Buhari.
They also urged the Tinubu administration to focus less on political strategy for 2027 and more on addressing pressing national issues.
“We call on President Tinubu and APC-led governments to shift attention from early electioneering and prioritize solutions to the worsening insecurity and economic challenges facing Nigerians,” the statement concluded.