Introduction to the APC and CPC Merger
The former chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have reaffirmed their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, pledging support for his re-election in 2027. At a meeting in Abuja, the former CPC leaders said the formation of the APC was a “great achievement” and commended President Tinubu’s leadership since he assumed office in May 2023.
Praise for President Tinubu’s Leadership
Former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Umaru Al-Makura, said the Tinubu-led administration was growing the economy beyond expectations. He urged members to begin grassroots mobilisation to ensure the President’s victory in the 2027 elections. Al-Makura praised the organisers for reviving the spirit of commitment, loyalty and perseverance with which the CPC was founded, calling Tinubu a leader “properly and fully prepared” to lead the country.
Economic Reforms and Challenges
While acknowledging the initial challenges faced by the administration, Al-Makura expressed optimism about the nation’s future and charged members to return to their constituencies to galvanise support for the President. “It is left to us now to ensure that we galvanise support in our various constituencies to ensure the success of President Tinubu come 2027,” he said. He added that the steering committee would soon convene a meeting of all state chapters to develop a common framework for early campaign mobilisation.
Support from Other Party Leaders
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari, said Tinubu deserved re-election to consolidate ongoing economic reforms. Masari praised the President’s “capacity, determination and courage” in confronting Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, saying true leadership is best demonstrated in difficult times. “Leaders are better known during tough times. When it is rosy, everybody is a champion. But when it is tough, it is only the tough who get gold. You can see toughness and commitment in Tinubu,” he said.
Ideological Foundation of the APC
Also speaking, former APC National Secretary, Waziri Bulama, commended the leadership of past CPC officials and reaffirmed the ideological foundation of the merger that produced the APC. He described the APC as a “great achievement” for being a national, principled party that has earned Nigerians’ trust by winning three consecutive presidential elections.
Call to Action
Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, lauded members for their loyalty over the past 23 years, often without political appointments. He urged them to “keep the faith” and support the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, which he said had long benefited a few at the expense of the majority. Okechukwu noted that state governors were now the main beneficiaries of higher federal allocations from the policy, stressing that the APC must deliver on its promises to the people.
Conclusion
The meeting was seen as a strong show of solidarity from a key legacy bloc within the ruling party, reaffirming their support for the Tinubu administration and early preparations for the 2027 elections. The CPC merged with other political parties in 2013 to form the APC, which went on to win the 2015 presidential election.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the meeting between former CPC leaders and the APC?
A: The former CPC leaders reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu, pledging support for his re-election in 2027.
Q: What did former Governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Umaru Al-Makura, say about President Tinubu’s leadership?
A: Al-Makura praised President Tinubu’s leadership, saying he was growing the economy beyond expectations and urged members to begin grassroots mobilisation to ensure the President’s victory in the 2027 elections.
Q: What is the significance of the APC and CPC merger?
A: The merger produced a national, principled party that has earned Nigerians’ trust by winning three consecutive presidential elections.
