The Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has distanced itself from the visit of some of its members to former vice-president Atiku Abubakar in Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that Abubakar hosted a section of the forum at his residence on Wednesday, where the former CPC leaders pledged allegiance to African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition under his leadership.
In a statement signed by Kasim Mabo, national chairman, alongside other zonal coordinators on Saturday, the forum dissociated from the move, noting that while 16 out of its 37 members have aligned with Abubakar, 20 remain committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
The forum alleged that some members succumbed to intense pressure, including financial inducements from opposition figures.
It said, “As we speak, however, 20 of us remain unwavering as we have lost one of our members from Borno State.”
It further urged the presidency and the APC to address the neglect of the CPC bloc, stressing that the former chairmen still represent vital grassroots structures.
The statement recalled their pivotal role in working with the late President Muhammadu Buhari to secure “the much-touted 12.5 million votes.”
The forum reaffirmed loyalty to Tinubu while demanding better patronage for members of the bloc.
