Former members of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the All Progressives Congress (APC) have sought the backing of President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership for the bloc to contest the presidency in 2031.
The appeal was made during the Association of Former Members of the ANPP meeting held on Monday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, National Coordinator of the association, Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, stressed the importance of equity, fairness, and justice within the APC, asserting that the ANPP bloc deserves its rightful opportunity to lead the country.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ajumbe warmly welcomed delegates from across Nigeria who traveled at their own expense to reconnect with their former political associates.
He reminded attendees of the historic merger between the ANPP, CPC, and ACN that led to the formation of the APC, emphasising the need to reassess the bloc’s position within the party.
“Our deliberations today center on critical questions. Are we being marginalised within the APC government? Are ANPP members adequately considered for political appointments?
“And more importantly, will the ANPP bloc be supported to produce the next president of Nigeria when power is expected to return to the North in 2031?” Ajumbe asked.
Highlighting the perceived imbalance, Prof. Ajumbe pointed out that the CPC bloc produced President Muhammadu Buhari for eight years, while the ACN bloc is currently represented by President Tinubu.
He called for fairness, stating that “when three people own a cow, and two have taken their shares, it is only just that the third person gets his share too.”
Related articles:
- 2027: Bayelsa PDP Chairman, leader declare support for Tinubu, challenges Governor Diri to state his stand
- 2027: Wike, Bode George, PDP governors doing hatchet job for Tinubu, APC chieftain alleges
- Tinubu deserves second term, says deputy speaker
The forum concluded that for the ANPP bloc presidential ambition to be realised in 2031, the APC must secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
To this end, the former ANPP members pledged their unwavering support for President Tinubu’s administration and their commitment to work diligently for the APC’s continued success.
“We must collaborate closely with the APC leadership and President Tinubu to ensure a successful re-election campaign in 2027,” Prof. Ajumbe emphasized.
Additionally, the association inaugurated a contact committee to mobilise and engage with former ANPP leaders nationwide.
This committee is tasked with strategising and building broader support for the bloc’s goals within the APC.
