•Buhari
Certain chieftains of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, (CPC) one of the legacy parties that merged to form the All Progressives Congress in 2013 have denounced speculation of a plot to dump the ruling party.
The 23 members which included former Nasarawa state governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former Speaker of House of Representatives and two-term Katsina State governor, Honourable Aminu Bello Masari gave the declaration yesterday after their meeting in Abuja.
Checks, however, revealed that some of their colleagues in the defunct CPC have since opened discussion with the coalition which has former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as leading voice, reports Nigerian Tribune.
Further checks revealed that former President, Muhammadu Buhari and arrowhead of the defunct CPC had recently pledged support for the APC.
The 23 chieftains who pledged their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed media report of defection of stalwarts of the CPC to any coalition as mischievous.
Their resolutions after their meeting read in part: “We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC), issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully aligned with its leadership and vision.
“We categorically state that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.”
“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national development and cohesiveness. We will not allow individuals to tarnish the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.
“Attempts to sow disunity within the party and the ongoing witch hunt of real or position of generic CPC core members are and will be wholly unacceptable.
“We fully endorse the renewed and governance reforms of President Bola Tinubu and while these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
We urge patience and collective support as their benefits unfold.” While they acknowledged discontent within the APC, they appealed to their aggrieved colleagues in the CPC “to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to negative public agitation or hasty exits.
“At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, all APC members—especially those deeply rooted in the CPC’s formation—must work together to preserve its legacy and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Actions that undermine our unity and national stability must be avoided.”
The CPC bloc in the APC further appealed to the National Working Committee under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, “to increase engagement with members at all levels. Strengthening internal communication will forestall clusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be continuously nurtured to sustain past gains and future measures.
“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The CPC family remains a crucial pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in Nigeria’s progress.”
