CPC Bloc Reaffirms Loyalty To Tinubu, Distances Itself From El-Rufai And Malami Ahead Of 2027 Election.
Leaders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have publicly reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The group, a key faction within the ruling party, explicitly distanced itself from former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, who are reportedly aligned with an opposition coalition.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, led by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa State and a prominent CPC figure. Flanked by other notable CPC stalwarts, including Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, former Katsina Governor Aminu Bello Masari, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Chairman Buba Marwa, Al-Makura emphasised the group’s commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are here to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that brought us together in 2013, to set the records straight, and to send a clear message to all Nigerians that the former CPC majority stakeholders remain strong, united, and deeply loyal to the All Progressives Congress and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Al-Makura declared.
The CPC, which merged with other parties to form the APC in 2013, played a pivotal role in the party’s rise to power in 2015. However, recent speculations suggested that a faction of the CPC, reportedly led by El-Rufai and Malami, was considering defecting to join a coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This coalition is believed to be aimed at challenging Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Al-Makura’s group firmly rejected these claims, describing them as “false and misleading.” The former governor called on aggrieved APC members to resolve their grievances through internal party mechanisms, urging dialogue and patience. “We urge all to use the structures and constitutional avenues forward; we do so with renewed strength, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unshakeable commitment to the APC and the success of President Tinubu’s administration,” he added.
The press conference also addressed Nigeria’s current challenges, with Al-Makura acknowledging the economic hardships and insecurity facing the nation. However, he expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, describing the president’s reforms as “challenging but necessary.” He urged Nigerians to remain patient, stating, “The foundation being laid today will lead to a more prosperous and secure future.”
The CPC’s reaffirmation of support for Tinubu follows a series of strategic moves by the president to consolidate his base within the APC. Reports indicate that Tinubu has been working to retain the loyalty of the CPC bloc, with some sources suggesting that Al-Makura was offered a potential chairmanship role in the APC to secure the group’s allegiance.
Meanwhile, Malami has publicly challenged the authority of Al-Makura’s group to speak for the CPC, asserting that only the faction aligned with former President Muhammadu Buhari holds such legitimacy. Speaking through his media aide, Muhammed Bello Doka, Malami dismissed Al-Makura’s declaration as a “personal move” that does not reflect the broader CPC structure.
El-Rufai, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been vocal in his criticism of Tinubu’s administration, reportedly leading efforts to build an opposition coalition. Malami, however, has denied rumours of his own defection, stating that he remains in the APC while engaging in “broad consultations” with various political platforms.
Despite these tensions, the APC has received a boost from other CPC factions. The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct CPC also declared its support for Tinubu earlier this month, expressing a commitment to transforming the APC into a more inclusive institution.
As the 2027 election approaches, the CPC’s endorsement strengthens Tinubu’s position within the APC, particularly in northern Nigeria, where the CPC has significant influence. Political analysts suggest that Tinubu’s ability to maintain the loyalty of legacy CPC members will be crucial to his re-election prospects.
The APC’s National Vice Chairman for the North-West, Hon. Garba Datti Muhammad, praised the CPC bloc’s loyalty, noting that key CPC figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and several governors and ministers, continue to hold prominent roles in Tinubu’s administration.
With the political landscape heating up, all eyes will be on how Tinubu navigates these internal party dynamics and counters the growing opposition coalition. For now, the CPC’s firm backing offers a significant boost to his administration as Nigeria grapples with pressing governance challenges.
