Former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and 21 other core members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have debunked defection rumours, saying that they remain loyal and committed to the ideals of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu
The core CPC members, who were part of those instrumental in the historic merger of legacy parties that gave birth to the APC, stated this in a statement made available to TheIdeal News on Thursday.
It is instructive to note that the statement was signed by Al-Makura, Bello Masari and other 21 former core CPC members. They include: Mallam Adamu Adamu; Senator Ibrahim Musa; Senator Mustafa Salihu; Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu; Hon. Almajiri Geidam; Arc. Waziri Bulama; Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu; Dr. Dominic Alancha; Hon. Ayuba Balami and Osita Okechukwu.
Others are Chief Okoi Obono-Obla; Hon. Lucy Ajayi; Captain Bala Jibrin; Hon. Uche Ufearoh; Alh. Yusuf Salihu; Hon. Abubakar Maikudi; Engr. Mutallib Badmus; Alh. Muhammed Ahmed Datti; Hon. Muhammed Etsu; Chief Jerry Johnson and Alh. Alkali Ajikolo.
According to the CPC core members, recent misleading narratives suggesting a defection or disaffection among CPC stakeholders are false, saying that the narratives are mischievous, and should be ignored.
They further disclosed that they remain integral to the APC and are fully aligned with its leadership and vision while pledging their firm solidarity with President Tinubu.
The core CPC members also resolved as follows:
We stand firmly with the APC:
We wish to state categorically that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the legacy foundations of the APC, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals.
The APC is our collective project:
As part of the legacy parties that formed the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that promotes national unity, justice, and development. We will not allow some people to dismantle the party we helped to build through years of tireless work and dedication.
We reject politics of division and desperation:
Attempts to create disunity within the party and the country do not reflect the will or position of the genuine CPC core members and it is unacceptable.
Support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda:
We align ourselves fully with the economic and governance reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu. Though challenging, these policies are necessary steps to rebuild our economy and secure a better future for all Nigerians. We urge patience and collective support as the benefits unfold.
Internal discontent must be addressed through due process:
While we acknowledge that some party members may feel sidelined, we emphasize that such grievances are not exclusive to any one bloc. We advise those concerned to seek redress through constitutional channels within the party and not to resort to negative public agitation or hasty exits from the party.
Our democracy and party must be strengthened, not weakened:
At this critical point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is imperative for all APC members—especially those with deep roots in the party’s formation—to work together to preserve its legacy and help consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. We must avoid actions that erode our unity and the stability of the nation.
Call for better engagement and communication:
We call on the leadership of the APC to scale up engagement with members across all levels. Strengthening internal communication will reduce tension, foster inclusiveness, and enhance support for the party’s programmes. Party unity must be nurtured continuously in order to sustain the gains and to secure the future.
The core CPC members therefore reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and support for President Tinubu, saying that the the CPC family remains a vital pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in the progress of Nigeria.
Signed:1. His Excellency, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura
2. His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari
3. Mallam Adamu Adamu
4. Senator Ibrahim Musa
5. Senator Mustafa Salihu
6. Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu
7. Hon. Almajiri Geidam
8. Arc. Waziri Bulama
9. Dr. Nasiru Ladan Argungu
10. Dr. Dominic Alancha
11. Hon. Ayuba Balami
12. Mr. Osita Okechukwu
13. Chief Okoi Obono-Obla
14. Hon. Lucy Ajayi
15. Captain Bala Jibrin
16. Hon. Uche Ufearoh
17. Alh. Yusuf Salihu
18. Hon. Abubakar Maikudi
19. Engr. Mutallib Badmus
20. Alh. Muhammed Ahmed Datti
21. Hon. Muhammed Etsu
22. Chief Jerry Johnson
23. Alh. Alkali Ajikolo
