The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has reaffirmed its loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) amidst reports linking it to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by Kasim Mabo, Sulaiman Oyaremi, Olalekan Obolo, Enyinnaya Nnachi, and Ahmad Dawayo, the Forum confirmed that 20 out of its 37 members remain committed to President Bola Tinubu.
The Forum also expressed its unwavering support for the leadership of the CPC bloc under Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Aminu Masari, and Tajudeen Abbas. “We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand better patronage, just as we pray for God’s guidance for Mr. President and our leaders,” the statement read.
In response to opposition pressure, the Forum alleged that opposition leaders have been offering financial incentives to entice members away from the APC. While acknowledging that nine members defected months ago and another seven recently followed, it insisted that the majority remain steadfast.
The CPC structure is still regarded as a vital grassroots force, recalling its significant contribution in delivering 12.5 million votes to the late President Muhammadu Buhari. However, the Forum expressed concern over what it described as the neglect of the CPC bloc within the APC by the Presidency and party leadership.
Additionally, the group dismissed the recent visit of some members to Atiku’s residence in Abuja as a personal decision that does not reflect its collective stance. It stated that the meeting was an attempt to create a false impression of “widespread support” for Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition. Atiku, who has renounced his membership of the PDP, is reportedly in discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
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