Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his recent meeting with former state chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) was part of a strategic move to prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Writing on his Facebook page, Atiku explained that the closed-door session, held at his Abuja residence on Wednesday, focused on forming a united political front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming election.
He also shared a video from the meeting, which featured several former CPC officials openly declaring their support for his leadership and pledging their commitment to the emerging coalition.
Although Atiku has not officially announced his 2027 presidential bid, he has already been positioning himself at the center of a growing opposition alliance.
The group includes influential figures such as Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In July, the coalition adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform to contest the next presidential election, a move seen as a significant step toward consolidating opposition forces under one umbrella.
Atiku’s meeting with former CPC leaders comes amid growing murmurs within the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly from some members of the CPC bloc, who claim they have been marginalized and excluded from key decision-making in the ruling party.
“They expressed concern over how the Tinubu administration has strayed from the original ideals of the APC, which were rooted in defending the interests of ordinary Nigerians,” Atiku said.
“I assured them that our coalition under the ADC is people-powered, and I encouraged them to mobilize their supporters for the ongoing voter registration drive.”
Atiku emphasized that the conversation was “warm and frank,” expressing optimism that the new alliance would not only challenge the ruling party but also restore hope and good governance.
Reacting to the development, Bala Ibrahim, the APC’s National Director of Publicity, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential.
In a telephone interview with DAILY GAZETTE, Ibrahim said the real power players from the defunct CPC remain loyal to the APC and that those aligning with Atiku are “unknown individuals” who pose no threat to the ruling party.
“We are not worried. The people Atiku is talking to are not the actual CPC leaders. The APC remains strong, and our achievements under the Tinubu administration speak for themselves,” he stated.
Ibrahim also rejected Atiku’s criticism of the government as “anti-people,” pointing to the administration’s policies and programs as evidence of its commitment to national development.
