The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has reaffirmed its loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress despite reports linking it to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement signed by Kasim Mabo, Sulaiman Oyaremi, Olalekan Obolo, Enyinnaya Nnachi and Ahmad Dawayo, the Forum said 20 out of its 37 members remain committed to President Bola Tinubu.
It added that it still stands by the leadership of the CPC bloc under Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Aminu Masari and Tajudeen Abbas.
“We remain loyal, patient, but firm in our resolve to demand for better patronage, just as we pray for God’s guidance for Mr President and our leaders,” the statement said.
Opposition pressure
The Forum alleged that opposition leaders have been offering financial incentives to lure members away from the APC.
It admitted that nine members defected months ago and another seven recently followed, but insisted that the majority remain unshaken.
According to the Forum, the CPC structure is still a critical grassroots force, recalling its role in delivering 12.5 million votes to the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
It however expressed concern over what it described as the neglect of the CPC bloc within the APC by the Presidency and party leadership.
Forum denies visit
The group dismissed the recent visit of some members to Atiku’s residence in Abuja as a personal decision that does not represent its collective stand.
It said the meeting was an attempt to create a false impression of “widespread support” for Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition. Atiku, who has renounced his membership of the PDP, is said to be in talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.