A group of former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has disassociated itself from a recent visit by some of its members to the Abuja home of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct CPC described the visit as a personal decision by a few individuals and not representative of the Forum’s position.
The group also called on the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to address what they described as the continued marginalisation of CPC loyalists within the party.
Atiku, who has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly trying to build a strong opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Though he hasn’t formally joined a new party, sources suggest he may declare for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) soon.
The former Vice President recently announced on social media that a delegation of ex-CPC state chairmen visited him and that he urged them to mobilize their supporters for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
However, in a statement signed by Kasim Mabo (National Chairman), Sulaiman Oyaremi (National Secretary), Olalekan Obolo (South West Coordinator), Enyinnaya Nnachi (South East Coordinator), and Ahmad Dawayo (North East & North West Coordinator), the Forum clarified that out of 37 members, only 16 have pledged support to Atiku, while 20 remain aligned with President Bola Tinubu.
They also alleged that some members defected under pressure, including financial inducements from Atiku’s allies.
“We want to make it clear that 20 members of our Forum remain committed to the APC. Some have succumbed to sustained pressure and financial intimidation from opposition leaders. Nine members left months ago, and seven more joined them last week,” the statement read.
“This moment calls for urgent introspection by the APC and the presidency. The CPC bloc — especially our Forum — has been sidelined for too long. Yet we were the grassroots machinery behind CPC’s national relevance and the 12.5 million votes that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power.”
The group described the visit to Atiku’s residence as a ploy to create a false sense of widespread support.
They reaffirmed loyalty to the APC and its CPC faction leaders — Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Aminu Masari, and Tajudeen Abbas — and appealed for greater recognition and inclusion in party affairs.
“We remain loyal, patient, and steadfast in demanding fair treatment. May the Almighty continue to guide the President and our leaders,” the statement concluded.
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