Ex-CPC Chiefs: Buhari Didn’t Endorse El-Rufai’s APC Exit, Tinubu Has Our Full Support
Farouk Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, yesterday launched a direct criticism of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, accusing him of self-centeredness amid his ongoing attacks on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on national television, Aliyu dismissed claims that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a founding faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had any plans to exit the ruling party.
Aliyu firmly stated that the reports suggesting CPC members were leaving the APC were “false” and “misleading.” He emphasized, “There is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC. Look, the certificate of CPC was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? It’s our party. APC is our party.”
In a pointed remark regarding el-Rufai, Aliyu accused the former Kaduna Governor of fighting a personal battle, particularly following el-Rufai’s claims that former President Muhammadu Buhari had endorsed his departure from APC.
“I’m aware of the fact that the former governor of Kaduna state, who was one of us, went alone to meet Muhammadu Buhari, telling him he was going to leave. And he gave an insinuation as if the former president had endorsed him leaving the party. The next day, the former president came out with a statement confirming he is a bona fide member of APC,” Aliyu explained.
Aliyu expressed frustration over the narrative surrounding el-Rufai’s exit, noting that as of now, el-Rufai is the only prominent figure known to have left the APC. “He has left, which is alright. How many people have left with him? So far, he’s the only one,” Aliyu said, adding that in the political landscape of Nigeria today, el-Rufai would be seen as primarily a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not a CPC member.
He also pointed out the irony in el-Rufai’s current stance, recalling how the former governor had previously insulted northern elders in support of Tinubu’s presidential aspirations. “All of a sudden, now, Tinubu is a bad man. It’s just about him. If he had been made a minister, he would have been in the forefront of insulting northern leaders again for Tinubu,” Aliyu remarked, implying that el-Rufai’s criticisms stemmed from a personal disappointment at not securing a ministerial position.
Further, Aliyu urged el-Rufai to accept the situation with grace, framing his failed ministerial bid as part of a divine plan. “As a Muslim, he should try to be content. He should know that what God wills will happen,” Aliyu said, advising the former governor not to escalate the conflict.
“He has been a governor for eight years under the APC, he should not talk about hell. Whatever happened has happened,” he added.
Meanwhile, the former CPC members, including notable figures like ex-Governors Aminu Masari of Katsina, Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, and 21 other founding members, issued a statement expressing their support for President Tinubu.
The statement dismissed rumors of discontent within the CPC ranks, labeling them “baseless” and “mischievous.”
“We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC, instrumental in the historic merger that birthed the APC, issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that they had neither left the APC nor planned to, reaffirming their commitment to the party’s vision and leadership.
The former CPC members also reflected on the sacrifices made in building the APC, which they described as a platform for national unity and development.
“We will not allow individuals to dismantle the party we helped build through years of tireless dedication,” the statement noted. They also expressed full endorsement of Tinubu’s economic reforms, recognizing the challenges posed by these policies while emphasizing their importance for Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Lastly, the CPC stalwarts acknowledged that some members may feel sidelined but urged those with grievances to seek solutions through proper party channels rather than public agitation.
“Such concerns are not unique to any one bloc,” they said, calling for unity and focus on the broader goal of national progress.
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