The political landscape in Nigeria witnessed a significant reaffirmation of support for President Bola Tinubu by prominent figures from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a legacy party instrumental in the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa State, and Aminu Masari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, spearheaded this show of solidarity, dismissing dissenting voices within the CPC bloc as inconsequential and urging President Tinubu to disregard their criticisms. The event, held in Abuja, drew a notable assembly of political heavyweights, including Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, representatives of Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, and former key figures in the Buhari administration and the APC. This gathering underscored the enduring influence of the CPC legacy within the APC and served as a public declaration of allegiance to the current administration.
Al-Makura’s address to the press served as the focal point of the event. He emphatically stated that the dissenting voices within the former CPC did not represent the majority of stakeholders and emphasized that while individuals are free to pursue their political ambitions, they should not do so under the false pretense of representing the defunct CPC. This call for unity within the ranks of the former CPC members emphasized the importance of maintaining a cohesive front within the larger APC framework. His message aimed to dispel the narrative of widespread discontent among CPC loyalists, suggesting that the disgruntled voices were merely a minority and did not reflect the overall sentiment of the group.
The former governor underscored the unwavering commitment of the majority of former CPC members to the APC and its current leadership. He encouraged those harboring grievances to utilize the established party mechanisms for conflict resolution, advocating for dialogue, patience, and perseverance. This appeal for internal resolution of disputes reinforced the importance of party unity and discouraged public airing of disagreements. Al-Makura’s emphasis on internal party mechanisms underscored the APC’s efforts to project an image of stability and cohesion amidst potential internal tensions.
Al-Makura’s address further delved into the historical context of the APC’s formation, highlighting the pivotal role played by the CPC in the 2015 electoral victory that unseated an incumbent government. He reminded the audience of the collaborative efforts of various political movements, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), and the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), which merged to form the APC. This historical reminder served to emphasize the collective strength and shared purpose that underpinned the party’s initial success and the crucial role played by the CPC within that coalition.
The event served as a platform to express strong support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the challenging reforms being implemented. Al-Makura commended the President’s bold initiatives and urged Nigerians to trust the process, emphasizing that the current hardships were necessary for building a more secure and prosperous future. This endorsement of the President’s agenda positioned the former CPC members as staunch allies of the Tinubu administration and conveyed their confidence in his leadership despite the difficulties faced by the nation.
Furthermore, Al-Makura’s concluding remarks highlighted the concept of loyalty, stressing that true allegiance is demonstrated not during times of ease, but during periods of adversity. This statement served as a rallying cry for unity and steadfast support for President Tinubu, particularly in the face of the ongoing challenges and criticisms. It underscored the commitment of the former CPC members to stand by the President during this critical period in Nigeria’s history, emphasizing that their loyalty was unwavering and not contingent on the prevailing political climate. The event, therefore, served as a powerful display of political solidarity and a strategic maneuver to consolidate support for the Tinubu administration within the ruling APC.
