The Forum for State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has affirmed its commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This declaration comes amidst swirling speculation of potential political realignments and coalition-building against the president in anticipation of the 2027 elections. The forum, through its National Secretary, Sulaiman Oyaremi, emphasized its respect for members’ individual decisions to stay or leave the All Progressives Congress (APC), characterizing such choices as the exercise of democratic rights. However, the forum underscored its collective decision to remain within the APC and support President Tinubu, acknowledging the contributions of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a key figure in the CPC. This statement reflects a complex internal dynamic within the APC, with the legacy of the now-defunct CPC becoming a focal point of political maneuvering.
The forum’s statement comes on the heels of recent public pronouncements from different factions claiming to represent the former CPC bloc. Earlier, a group led by ex-Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura had pledged its allegiance to Tinubu and the APC, distancing itself from rumored alliances with opposition figures. This declaration, however, was met with contention from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, who questioned Al-Makura’s authority to speak for the entire CPC bloc. This internal disagreement highlights the ongoing struggle for influence and representation within the APC, with the legacy of the CPC becoming a key bargaining chip. The forum’s statement serves as an attempt to clarify the position of a significant portion of former CPC members, emphasizing their continued commitment to the ruling party and their support for President Tinubu.
The forum lamented the politicization of the defunct CPC and expressed concern over the evident lack of cohesive leadership within the bloc. The statement also pointedly criticized the perceived lack of inclusiveness within the APC and its government, particularly regarding the treatment of former CPC members. The forum highlighted the perceived marginalization of former CPC members in terms of both government appointments and party positions, despite their significant contributions to the party’s electoral successes. This sentiment underscores underlying tensions within the ruling party, suggesting that the integration of former CPC members into the APC structure remains a contentious issue. This sense of marginalization adds another layer to the complex political dynamics at play and could be a contributing factor to the ongoing internal struggles within the APC.
While affirming their loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, the forum also used its platform to address pressing national concerns. The statement called attention to the escalating insecurity and economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, urging the president and APC governments at all levels to prioritize these critical issues. The forum explicitly emphasized these governance challenges over discussions of the 2027 elections, urging a focus on immediate national needs. This call to action underscores the forum’s concern about the welfare of the citizenry and emphasizes the need for the government to address the pressing challenges facing the nation. Their focus on immediate needs over future political maneuvering positions the forum as advocating for the prioritization of governance over political strategizing.
The forum’s insistence on prioritizing governance over electoral politics reflects a broader concern about the potential distraction that premature electioneering could create. By urging a focus on the present challenges facing Nigeria, the forum implicitly cautions against diverting attention and resources towards the 2027 elections at the expense of addressing immediate concerns. This call for focus reflects a desire to see the government prioritize tangible solutions to current problems and address the immediate needs of the population. The forum’s message serves as a reminder that political maneuvering should not overshadow the critical issues impacting the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
In essence, the Forum for State Chairmen of the defunct CPC has attempted to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape by simultaneously affirming its support for President Tinubu while also addressing internal party dynamics and highlighting pressing national concerns. The forum’s statement reflects the ongoing evolution of the political landscape in Nigeria and offers insights into the internal workings and potential challenges facing the ruling APC. The forum’s call for inclusiveness, its criticism of perceived marginalization, and its emphasis on prioritizing governance over electoral politics offer a glimpse into the dynamics at play and the potential direction of the political discourse in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Ultimately, the forum seeks to position itself as a voice of reason and a force for stability within the APC while advocating for the needs of the Nigerian people.
