Former CPC Bloc Reaffirms Loyalty to APC, Debunks Defection Rumours

Amid swirling speculation suggesting a rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc within the All Progressives Congress (APC), key stakeholders from the legacy party have publicly debunked the claims and reaffirmed their unwavering loyalty to the ruling party and its leadership.

The rumour, which suggested that loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari under the banner of the defunct CPC were planning a mass exit from the APC due to dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s leadership, was roundly dismissed following a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

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The gathering brought together several high-profile figures in Nigerian politics, particularly those instrumental in the CPC’s merger with other parties to form the APC. Among the prominent attendees were Katsina State Governor Dr. Dikko Radda, Niger State Governor’s representative Umar Bago, former Nasarawa State Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura, ex-Katsina Governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Bello Masari, and General Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Also present were influential political players such as former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VoN), Osita Okechukwu, former presidential aide Okoi Obono-Obla, former APC National Secretary Arc. Waziri Bulama, former Reps member Farouk Adamu, a representative of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Foreign Affairs Minister Maitama Tuggar, among others.

The forum, representing what remains of the CPC bloc, issued a strongly worded statement to dismiss media reports and social media narratives insinuating political disaffection within their ranks.

“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded,” the statement read. “We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”

The declaration, titled “We Stand Firmly With the APC,” was jointly signed by a long list of respected CPC legacy members, including Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu, Dr. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Ayuba Balami, and Hon. Almajiri Geidam.

Other signatories include Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Hon. Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Hon. Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Hon. Abubakar Maikudi, Engr. Mutallib Badmus, Alh. Muhammed Ahmed Datti, Hon. Muhammed Etsu, Chief Jerry Johnson, and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.

In their joint statement, the group emphasized that the CPC bloc remains an integral pillar of the APC, stating unequivocally that there are no plans to leave the party.

“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,” the statement continued.

Addressing the motivations behind the rumour, the CPC leaders accused unnamed individuals of peddling falsehoods in a bid to sow division within the party. They warned that such attempts to exploit legacy identities like the CPC for personal political gain would not be tolerated.

“We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication. As a legacy bloc within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices we made to establish a party that promotes national unity, justice, and development.”

This united stance from the former CPC members is viewed as significant in light of the delicate balancing of political blocs within the APC, a coalition formed through the historic 2013 merger of the CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Political analysts say such reassurances help solidify internal stability within the APC, especially as the party navigates mounting governance challenges and internal jostling for influence ahead of future elections.

The meeting and subsequent statement also indicate a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, reinforcing his legitimacy among key stakeholders from the North who were once aligned with Buhari. With figures like Tanko Al-Makura, Aminu Bello Masari, and Farouk Adamu actively leading the charge for unity, the CPC bloc appears determined to remain a stabilizing force within the APC framework.

In conclusion, the CPC bloc’s declaration of loyalty to the APC and support for President Tinubu delivers a clear message — the rumours of disaffection are unfounded, and the bloc is standing its ground within the ruling party as it continues to shape Nigeria’s political direction.