Tinubu Moves to Calm CPC Bloc, Eyes Al-Makura for APC Leadership

As the political landscape begins to shift in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly making urgent moves to prevent a wave of defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc. Sources close to the presidency have revealed that Tinubu is considering appointing former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, to a strategic party leadership position in a bid to appease loyalists of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Al-Makura, a close ally of Buhari, is being tipped for the APC national chairmanship as part of a broader strategy to maintain party unity. He is expected to hold a press conference on Monday where he may announce Buhari’s alleged support for retaining the CPC bloc within the ruling party. The move is aimed at persuading key Buhari loyalists to resist overtures from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and remain committed to the APC ahead of the next electoral cycle.

This development comes amid deepening concerns over internal rifts in the APC. Several prominent politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa, are reportedly weighing options outside the party. Discontent with Tinubu’s leadership is believed to be driving the exploration of new political alliances.

The situation has prompted intensified efforts by the APC’s leadership and the Progressive Governors’ Forum to involve Buhari in reconciliation efforts. A recent visit by a delegation led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to Buhari in Kaduna underscored the urgency of the matter. Despite these efforts, El-Rufai has publicly claimed that he has received Buhari’s blessing to leave the APC, while several former ministers from the Buhari administration are said to be finalizing their defection to the SDP.

The tension escalated further on Friday when APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and members of the party’s National Working Committee held another meeting with Buhari—just hours after opposition figures including Atiku, El-Rufai, Tambuwal, and former Minister Isa Pantami also met with the former president.

The CPC bloc, which includes influential figures such as former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former Communications Minister Isa Pantami, and former Education Minister Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, is reportedly disillusioned with Tinubu’s administration. Their possible mass defection could significantly weaken the APC’s strength and raise doubts about its chances in the 2027 elections.