Omotayo Adigun
Farouk Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State, speaking on Channels Television recently, dismissed reports suggesting that former CPC members were contemplating leaving the APC as “false and misleading.”
He firmly stated that the CPC, being a foundational element in the formation of the APC, has no intention of abandoning the party they helped build.
“Look, the certificate of CPC was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? It’s our party. APC is our party,” Aliyu asserted.
Aliyu directly accused El-Rufai of pursuing a personal agenda, particularly referencing El-Rufai’s earlier claims that former President Muhammadu Buhari had endorsed his departure from the APC – a claim that Buhari’s office subsequently refuted.
Aliyu expressed frustration with the narrative surrounding El-Rufai’s political moves, noting that as of now, El-Rufai appears to be the only prominent figure known to have exited the party. He added that in the current political landscape, El-Rufai would be viewed more as a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) than a CPC stalwart.
According to Aliyu, El-Rufai’s current opposition to President Tinubu stems from personal disappointment, suggesting that if El-Rufai had been appointed a minister, his stance would be different.
Aliyu recalled the irony of El-Rufai’s current position, highlighting how the former governor had previously been a staunch supporter of Tinubu’s presidential aspirations, even going as far as criticizing northern elders in the process.
Aliyu urged El-Rufai to accept the situation with grace and temper his criticisms, framing his failed ministerial confirmation as being subject to divine will.
“As a Muslim, he should try to be content. He should know that what God wills will happen,” Aliyu advised, urging the former governor not to escalate the conflict.
He added, “He has been a governor for eight years under the APC, he should not talk about hell. Whatever happened has happened.”
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In a related development, a group of 21 other founding members and leaders of the former CPC, including notable figures such as former Governors Aminu Masari of Katsina and Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, issued a joint statement reaffirming their unwavering loyalty to the APC and expressing strong solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration.
The statement categorically dismissed rumours of discontent within the CPC ranks as “baseless” and “mischievous.”
The group emphasized their instrumental role in the historic merger that led to the creation of the APC and reiterated their commitment to the party’s vision and leadership.
“We, the undersigned leaders and dedicated members of the former CPC… issue this statement to reaffirm our unwavering loyalty to our great party and express our strong solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.
The former CPC stalwarts reflected on the significant sacrifices made in building the APC as a platform for national unity and development, vowing not to allow individuals to dismantle the party they helped establish through years of dedication. They also expressed full endorsement of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging the inherent challenges while stressing their importance for Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Finally, the group acknowledged that some members might feel marginalized but urged those with grievances to utilize appropriate party channels for resolution rather than resorting to public agitation.
They stressed that such concerns are not unique to any single bloc within the party and called for unity and a collective focus on the broader goal of national progress.