Former CPC lawmakers disown Malami, El-Rufai, declare support for Tinubu

Former federal lawmakers who were elected under the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have distanced themselves from former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that neither has the authority to speak on behalf of the party’s legacy.

The group, made up of members of the 7th National Assembly elected under CPC, threw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. They also recognised Senator Tanko Al-Makura, former governor of Nasarawa State and the only CPC-elected governor, as their legitimate leader.

Rising from a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the forum dismissed Malami and El-Rufai as lacking political clout and credibility.

Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Nasiru Baballe Ila, emphasized their loyalty to the APC and the current administration.

In his words, “It has come to our attention that certain individuals, groups and entities who had no electoral value during the heyday of the CPC have falsely claimed to speak for or represent the CPC, purporting to act on behalf of its legacy and its millions of supporters.

“We categorically declare that no person, group of persons, or entity has the authority to speak for or on behalf of the defunct CPC, except the elected representatives of the party who were duly chosen by its supporters in 2011.

“We, the former elected Members of the CPC from the 7th Assembly and many more who stood for elections, won and were subsequently robbed of their hard-earned, hard-won, yet short-lived victories, remain the only legitimate and authentic voice of the defunct CPC.

“We are the true custodians of the party’s legacy and the representatives of the twelve million Nigerians, predominantly in Northern Nigeria, who entrusted us with their mandate.”

The forum urged Nigerians, especially those from the North, to ignore any statements or actions made in the name of the CPC by individuals not elected under its platform.

They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Tinubu-led government and pledged to safeguard the values of the APC to prevent misrepresentation of CPC’s legacy.

They further called on the media, civil society groups, and the public to verify claims about CPC’s representation, insisting that only members of the 7th Assembly and Senator Al-Makura hold that legitimacy.

Among those present at the meeting were Senator Ibrahim Musa, Honourable Ibrahim Gobir, Honourable Sanusi Aliyu, Mohammed Tukur (Katsina Central), Senator Ahmed Sani, Honourable Ibrahim Chachangi, Honourable Yusuf Bala, and Honourable Garuba Datti—the 7th Assembly Caucus Leader and current APC National Vice Chairman (North West).