People who used to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections and are now members of the All Progressives Party (APC) have backed Atiku.
According to the Daily Independent, state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari’s initial party, met at Atiku’s home in Abuja to talk about how to move the country forward.
Atiku, who is leading the charge to form a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), hosted the team and promised to work with them to change Nigeria’s political environment.
The CPC bloc, which has long been seen as Buhari’s most loyal political base, said that the present government has abandoned the values that drew the coalition together and helped the APC win the 2015 election.
One of the commanders added, “Get it out there, make it clear.” Politics doesn’t stay in the corner; it comes out. That’s basically what we’re here to stress.
“We are the real followers of Buhari, and we are here today, Sir.” We knew from away which party we wanted to join when this coalition started.
“My leader, I want to make sure you know how committed we are. The CPC group is still together. President Buhari has made a stamp on this country’s history that has never been seen before, and we will not let it go.
“We are now ready to join the ADC, the new political platform that God has chosen for us, with you as the leader.”
Their pledge of loyalty to Atiku makes things worse in the APC and could change the balance of power before 2027, especially in the North, where Buhari still has a lot of support from the people.
Another CPC leader remarked that the current government officials do not reflect the movement’s basic values when comparing the present to Buhari’s time.
“You can see I’m CPC. I don’t need to tell you. You don’t need to be informed that former Attorney-General Malami, former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai, and others who worked closely with President Buhari are CPC.
“Then you can compare this to the faces you see now in power,” he said.
Atiku applauded the decision in his response, calling it a step toward forming a strong alliance that may challenge the APC’s power.
“I’m very happy to see you today. This meeting is a part of your journey and the problems you have faced. I think that with your help, we can turn this voyage into a success.
Atiku added, “We will also work to create a government that reflects the vision of inclusiveness and service to the people, one that listens to the needs of ordinary citizens and is dedicated to peace and unity across Nigeria.”
He told them to get their supporters to register to vote, saying that this was important for the future elections.
“I took the time to explain how the present coalition initiatives got started and promised them that the ADC is a political platform that is really driven by the people.
“I also told them to get their supporters to help with the ongoing voter registration drive,” he stated.
The gathering marks the beginning of what might be one of Nigeria’s most important political shifts since the APC was formed ten years ago.
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