Members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari and his Nasarawa state counterpart, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and 21 others majority of whom were governorship candidates in their respective states have pledged their allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
They made the declaration in a statement signed by 23 of them and released Thursday evening.
This development is coming on the heels of speculation within Nigeria’s political space that the CPC bloc was pulling out of the APC to join an upcoming coalition.
The others who signed the statement include President Muhammadu Buhari’s close ally and Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamou; Senators Ibrahim Musa and Mustafa Salihu, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, Almajiri Geidam, Arc. Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu and Dr. Dominic Alancha.
Others are Ayuba Balami, Osita Okechukwu, Okoi Obono-Obla, Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Uche Ufearoh, Yusuf Salihu, Abubakar Maikudi, Mutalib Badmus, Muhammed Ahmed Datti, Muhammed Etsu, Jerry Johnson and Alkali Ajikolo
They noted in the statement that “we, the undersigned leaders and committed members of the former CPC who were part of those instrumental in the historic merger that gave birth to the All Progressives Congress (APC), hereby clarify our unalloyed loyalty to our great party and express firm solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They denied any defection or disaffection among CPC stakeholders, saying such were false, mischievous, and should be ignored.
“We remain integral to the APC and are fully aligned with its leadership and vision.”
They denied any plan to leave the APC, saying “the CPC bloc remains one of the legacy foundations of the APC, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.”
They said “as part of the legacy parties that formed the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that promotes national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow some people to dismantle the party we helped to build through years of tireless work and dedication.”
The group said they would not be part of any move to divide the ruling APC, adding that “attempts to create disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of the genuine CPC core members and it is unacceptable.
“We align ourselves fully with the economic and governance reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu. Though challenging, these policies are necessary steps to rebuild our economy and secure a better future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as the benefits unfold.
“While we acknowledge that some party members may feel sidelined, we emphasize that such grievances are not exclusive to any one bloc. We advise those concerned to seek redress through constitutional channels within the party and not to resort to negative public agitation or hasty exits from the party.
“At this critical point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is imperative for all APC members—especially those with deep roots in the party’s formation—to work together to preserve its legacy and help consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. We must avoid actions that erode our unity and the stability of the nation.
“We call on the leadership of the APC to scale up engagement with members across all levels. Strengthening internal communication will reduce tension, foster inclusiveness, and enhance support for the party’s programs. Party unity must be nurtured continuously in order to sustain the gains and to secure the future.
“We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the CPC family remains a vital pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in the progress of Nigeria.”
