A faction of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has publicly reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 election.
The move comes amid fears that the defunct CPC, being led by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, would ally to unseat Tinubu.
El-Rufai, some months ago, defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party, and he has continued to receive other defectors from the APC.
But some members of the CPC have rejected his move, pitching a tent with the APC.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, former Nasarawa State Governor and prominent CPC stalwart Umaru Tanko Al-Makura led a high-powered delegation of former CPC leaders and stakeholders to declare their continued support for the APC and Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
The group firmly dissociated itself from a purported CPC faction allegedly led by el-Rufai.
“We have come together today with clarity, unity, and purpose,” Al-Makura stated.
“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 APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Rejection of Defection Rumours
Al-Makura dismissed reports suggesting that the CPC bloc had exited the APC, labelling them as “speculative and misinformed”.
“Let it be known clearly that we have not left the APC. We are very much here, standing tall, proud, and firm within the party that we helped to found through sweat, sacrifice, and patriotic commitment,” he emphasised.
Recalling the historic 2013 merger of opposition parties — CPC, ACN, ANPP, APGA, DPP, and nPDP — Al-Makura highlighted the critical role the CPC played in unseating the then-incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in 2015.
He praised the spirit of unity and patriotism that underpinned that coalition and stressed the need to rekindle that vision to address Nigeria’s current challenges.
Acknowledging the nation’s current economic and social struggles, the former governor expressed full support for the reform agenda of President Tinubu.
“Today, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria faces challenging but necessary reforms,” he said.
“We commend the bold steps taken by President Tinubu and urge Nigerians to trust the process, knowing that the foundation being laid today will lead to a more prosperous and secure future.”
Al-Makura urged party members who may be disenchanted to seek redress through internal mechanisms rather than resort to external agitation.
“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 stated.
The press briefing was attended by notable figures, including Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, his predecessor Aminu Masari, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, and Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), further reinforcing the seriousness of the declaration.
