Oloruntobi Alabi
The State Chairmen Forum of the dissolved Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) distanced itself on Saturday from a recent visit by certain members to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Abuja home.
It dismissed the meeting as an independent move by a handful of individuals, clarifying that it did not reflect the collective stance of the group.
The Forum further called on the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rectify what it termed the ongoing sidelining of CPC members within the ruling party.
Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has purportedly been rallying key opposition figures in preparation for a potential challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Though he has not officially aligned with any political party, speculation suggests the former Vice President may soon join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the polls.
Prominent CPC figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, have reportedly partnered with Atiku to oppose Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Days earlier, Atiku took to social media to acknowledge the visit of some ex-CPC State Chairmen, emphasizing his advice for them to mobilize supporters for the ongoing voter registration exercise.
In a statement released Saturday and endorsed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman), Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary), Olalekan Obolo (South West Coordinator), Enyinnaya Nnachi (South East Coordinator), and Ahmad Dawayo (North East and North West Coordinator), the Forum revealed that of its 37 members, only 16 support Atiku, while 20 remain aligned with President Tinubu.
The statement alleged that opposition figures had attempted to sway the group with financial incentives to defect from the APC ahead of 2027.
Excerpts from the statement read, “We categorically declare that 20 of our members remain steadfast in their commitment to the APC. Certain opposition elements have exerted undue pressure on our Forum, including monetary inducements, leading nine members to defect months ago and seven more joining them just last week.”
“At present, 20 of us remain resolute despite losing one member from Borno State. This critical juncture demands reflection—particularly from the Presidency and APC leadership—on the persistent marginalization of the CPC bloc, especially our Forum members who feel increasingly excluded.”
It further asserted, “We are the direct connection to the grassroots that once fortified the CPC’s national influence and worked alongside the late President Muhammadu Buhari to secure historic election victories.”
The statement rebuffed Atiku’s gathering as an attempt to falsely portray broad backing, reinforcing the Forum’s continued loyalty to CPC leadership figures such as Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Aminu Masari, and Tajudeen Abbas.
“Our allegiance is unwavering, yet we remain firm in demanding fair recognition. May divine wisdom continue to guide both the President and our leaders,” the statement concluded.
Omotayo Fashola
