The Forum for State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) has clarified its stance on the 2027 presidential bid of former vice president Atiku Abubakar. In a recent statement, the group denied endorsing Atiku’s candidacy, describing reports to the contrary as misleading.

According to the statement, signed by national chairman Kasim Mabo and national secretary Sulaiman Oyaremi, a small group of former CPC chairmen visited Atiku, but this did not represent the forum’s collective position. The statement noted that out of 37 members, only 16 have pledged allegiance to the former vice president, while the remaining 20 remain committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This clarification comes amid intense speculation about the political alignments of various groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The CPC, which merged with other parties to form the APC in 2013, still maintains a significant presence in Nigerian politics. The Forum for State Chairmen, comprising former state chairmen of the CPC, continues to play a role in shaping the country’s political landscape.

The statement’s emphasis on the group’s non-endorsement of Atiku’s bid underscores the complexities of Nigerian politics, where alliances and affiliations can shift rapidly. As the 2027 election draws nearer, the positions of various groups and individuals will be closely watched, with potential implications for the country’s political trajectory.

With the APC and other parties already gearing up for the election, the Forum for State Chairmen’s statement serves as a reminder of the intricate web of interests and allegiances at play in Nigerian politics. As the electoral landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how different groups and individuals will navigate the complexities of the 2027 presidential election.