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By Myke Agunwa
Leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the blocs that collapsed into the All Progressives Congress (APC) prior to 2015 general election have pledged their loyalty to the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu.
There were speculations last week that former President Muhammadu Buhari who was a founding member of CPC had charged members of the CPC to feel free to join the coalition being propagated by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mallam Nasiru El’Rufai and others to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
This had created a lot of apprehension, uncertainty and mutual suspicion in the ruling party, with some members believing that the support of the CPC group to the party cannot be guaranteed in the next election.
In a countermove, however, the CPC bloc in a statement after a meeting held at the residence of former governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Al’makura, dismissed the recent suggesting of defection and discontent among CPC stakeholders as “baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded” just as they reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC.
“As a legacy party within the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that fosters national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication.
“We stand firmly with the APC. 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 reads.
The leaders endorsed President Tinubu’s economic and governance reforms, urging patience and collective support as the benefits unfold.
“We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms led by President Bola Tinubu,” the statement said. “While these policies may present challenges, they are crucial steps toward rebuilding our economy and securing a prosperous future for all Nigerians,” the say.
The CPC leaders also called for enhanced engagement and communication within the party to foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and promote unity.
“We urge APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels.
“Strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs,” the statement further reads.
The leaders advised members with grievances to seek redress through constitutional channels within the party, rather than resorting to public agitation or hasty exits.
“We acknowledge that some members may feel sidelined, but such concerns are not unique to any one bloc.
“We encourage those affected to seek redress through established constitutional channels within the party,” they added.
The group called on APC leadership to increase engagement with members at all levels, adding that strengthening internal communication will foster inclusiveness, reduce tensions, and enhance support for the party’s programs
Present at the meeting were: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura , Hon. Aminu Bello Masari , former governor of Katsina State, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Mustafa Salihu, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu and Hon. Almajiri Geidam.
Others are Arc. Waziri Bulama, Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu, Dr. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Ayuba Balami, Osita Okechukwu, Okoi Obono-Obla, Hon. Lucy Ajayi, Captain Bala Jibrin, Hon. Uche Ufearoh, Alh. Yusuf Salihu, Hon. Abubakar Maikudi and others.