President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has polarised the leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change, CP, the political structure of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Recall that the CPC was among the legacy political parties that formed the All Progressives Congress, APC in the race to the 2015 national elections
Out of the 36 state chairmen of the CPC, 20 are now supporting the president while 16 have declared their support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The magazine reports that the state chairmen have become divided following the demise of Buhari, on who to support for the 2027 presidential election.
The situation recently led to 16 state chairmen of the defunct party to pull their weight behind Abubakar, citing neglect by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Explaining the reason for the decision taken by 16 state chairmen, the Forum of State Chairmen of the CPC, in a statement said the CPC bloc has been shoved aside following President Tinubu’s election victory in 2023, despite being part of the coalition that brought the incumbent to power.
The forum however stated that they are still loyal to the president and the APC, provided that the problem of marginalization is addressed.
It also pledge its support for former Governors Tanko Almakura and Aminu Bello Masari, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass as their leaders. defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has explained why 16 of its members broke ranks with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by its leaders, the Forum said neglect of the CPC bloc in the ruling party was the main reason for the defection. It noted that despite being part of the coalition that brought APC to power, the bloc has suffered marginalisation in appointments and recognition.
The defunct CPC state chairmen denied endorsement of former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Atiku Abubakar, for the forthcoming general elections.
The Forum of State Chairmen of the CPC in a statement at the weekend dismissed the purported endorsement.
In the statement signed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman); Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary); Olalekan Obolo (South West Coordinator); Enyinnaya Ibiam Nnachi (South East Coordinator) and Ahmad Dawayo (North East and North West Coordinator), they clarified that 16 of the 37 member Forum have however pledged allegiance to the former Vice President.
The statement noted that 20 of its members remain firmly committed to the APC and a fresh mandate for President Bola Tinubu.
Part of the statement: “We wish to categorically state that 20 members of the group remain committed to the All Progressives Congress. 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. As we speak however 20 of us remain unwaivering as we have lost one of our members from Borno State.
“This moment however calls for reflection, especially by the Presidency and the APC leadership to urgently address the continued neglect of the CPC bloc, particularly the Forum of 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.
“We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand for better patronage just as we pray that the Almighty God shall continue to guide Mr President and indeed all our leaders.”
Since the death of Buhari on July 13, 2025 the CPC has yet to announce a clear leader, raising worries among party’s supporters of the possibility that the party may not be able to speak in one voice ahead the general elections in less than two years.
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