Ex-CPC Chairmen Back Atiku, Join ADC Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday met with former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) at his Abuja residence, where they pledged support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The CPC, founded by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, merged with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since Buhari’s passing in July, speculation has grown that some CPC loyalists may be moving away from the ruling party.

Earlier in the day, a different group from the CPC bloc, including House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and former Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura, visited President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, pledging to back his re-election campaign.

Atiku’s meeting with the ex-CPC chairmen highlighted growing divisions within the bloc. The politicians described themselves as “true followers” of Buhari and promised to support the ADC coalition under Atiku’s leadership.

In response, Atiku expressed confidence that with their support, the coalition could secure victory in 2027. “This is a continuation of your journey and struggles, and I believe with your support, we will be able to translate this journey into success,” he said. He added that the coalition aims to form a government capable of delivering the kind of impact Buhari had envisioned.

Writing on X after the meeting, Atiku said the former CPC officials voiced frustration with the Tinubu administration, accusing it of abandoning the ideals of concern for ordinary Nigerians that once defined the APC. He explained that the ADC coalition was being built as a “people-powered political platform” and urged them to mobilise their supporters for voter registration.

Atiku described the conversation as “warm and frank” and said he looked forward to a partnership that would not only defeat the current administration but also “restore genuine hope to the people.”