Despite the denial of former president, General Muhammadu Buhari, that he remains a bonafide member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Daily Sun can report that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc of the ruling party are still adamant on exiting.

Daily Sun had earlier reported that elements of the CPC on whose platform Buhari contested the 2011 presidential election and was defeated by former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are disenchanted and feel they have been sidelined and marginalised in favour of the South West APC, especially in political appointments.

This sense of alienation, it was learned, has fueled discontent among Buhari?s loyalists, many of who feel sidelined in the party?s current power dynamics, and this disillusionment has prompted discussions about aligning with other political forces.

Sources within the CPC bloc revealed that their grievances stem from what they described as a lack of influence in the APC?s decision-making processes. In response to their dissatisfaction, it was learnt that the CPC bloc is seriously considering joining a coalition of opposition parties being spearheaded by prominent political figures like former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi and former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.

El-Rufai, who recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been vocal about his reasons for leaving the APC. He disclosed that he informed Buhari of his decision to exit the party and claimed that the former president gave his blessings. However, shortly after he made this claim public, Buhari issued a statement saying he remains a ?bonafide member? of the APC.

In his statement, Buhari emphasised his loyalty to the APC. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the APC during his two-term presidency, describing it as the highest honor of his political career. Buhari also spoke about what he described as the sacrifices made by the party?s founding fathers, stressing the importance of strengthening the APC as a vehicle for national development. ?I am an APC member, and I like to be addressed as such. I will try to popularise the party by all means,? he said.

While Buhari?s statement was likely intended to reassure APC members, it has done little to quell the growing unrest among the CPC bloc. Many within the bloc view Buhari?s continued allegiance to the APC as a personal decision that does not reflect their collective interests.

The potential exit of the CPC bloc from the APC could have serious implications for the party. The CPC merged with other parties to form the APC in 2013 and played a crucial role in Buhari?s electoral victories in 2015 and 2019. Analysts believe that its departure would seriously weaken the APC?s structure especially in the northern part of the country. (Daily Sun, but headline rejigged)

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