A political storm is brewing within Nigeria’s opposition space as the coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar clashes with governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This comes just as the bloc of leaders from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the legacy parties that merged into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
CPC Bloc Rallies Behind Tinubu Amid Defection Rumours
The CPC bloc, formerly led by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has passed a strong vote of confidence in the Tinubu administration, dismissing reports of internal discontent and defection.
In a resolution issued after a strategic meeting, the bloc declared:
“Recent misleading narratives suggesting defection or discontent among CPC stakeholders are baseless, mischievous, and should be disregarded. We remain a vital part of the APC, fully committed to its leadership and vision.”
This response follows the recent defection of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sparking speculation about wider disaffection within the CPC ranks.
Signatories to the resolution include prominent political figures such as Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Hon. Aminu Masari, Mallam Adamu Adamu, and several others who helped lay the foundation of the APC.
The group emphasized that:
“The CPC bloc remains one of the APC’s foundational pillars, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party’s progressive ideals. We fully endorse the economic and governance reforms of President Tinubu, even as we acknowledge the challenges they may present.”
The bloc also called on the APC leadership to deepen internal engagement and communication, urging discontented members to resolve grievances within party structures instead of airing them publicly.
Atiku’s Coalition Fires Back at PDP Governors
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar’s opposition coalition has strongly condemned the stance of PDP governors who recently distanced themselves from a planned merger with other political forces. The PDP Governors’ Forum, during its April 14 meeting, resolved not to participate in any coalition with other opposition groups—an action that has triggered backlash from Atiku’s camp.
Salihu Moh. Lukman, spokesperson of the coalition, accused the PDP governors of sabotaging opposition unity and playing into President Tinubu’s hands ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The PDP governors are deliberately weakening the opposition. Rather than revive the PDP, they are helping President Tinubu consolidate power,” Lukman said.
He also claimed that some PDP figures, like former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike—now a key minister in Tinubu’s cabinet—are serving as “Trojan horses” within the opposition to sabotage efforts to present a credible alternative.
Lukman added:
“What we are witnessing is the systematic hijacking of the PDP by the ruling APC through proxies. The coalition is being formed to rescue Nigerian democracy from collapse and restore integrity to political institutions.”
Atiku: “We’ll Ride Any Vehicle That Delivers Good Governance”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while addressing a youth-led delegation of National Opinion Leaders, reaffirmed that the coalition he is spearheading would adopt “any platform that guarantees good governance” in its quest to unseat the current administration in 2027.
In a video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku said:
“Don’t be distracted by temporary inducements. We are creating a new path—a Sabuwar Tafiya—a new journey to a better Nigeria. We will soon unveil the coalition and call on all Nigerians to join this movement.”
He stressed that the coalition’s priority is not partisan affiliation, but national redemption through democratic revival.
“Whether it’s the APC, PDP, Labour, or any other party, what matters is building a platform that truly serves Nigerians and secures the future of our children.”
As 2027 draws nearer, Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up with shifting alliances and internal cracks across party lines. While Buhari’s CPC bloc seeks to stabilize the APC from within, Atiku’s opposition movement appears ready to challenge the status quo by any means necessary—highlighting a deepening divide not just between parties, but within them.
