In the latest developments surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership race, stakeholders from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction have ramped up their push for Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura to become the next national chairman of the party. This call comes as the APC chairmanship remains zoned to the North Central region.
Labib Abdullahi Mahmood, a key CPC figure from Bauchi State, spoke exclusively to Daily Trust, emphasising Al-Makura’s pivotal role in the party’s formation and his experience in uniting the APC. “We were part of the merger that formed the APC. Al-Makura was our only CPC governor and played a key role in the alliance that unseated the PDP,” Mahmood explained.
Mahmood, who also serves as the national coordinator of the 100 Percent Focus Movement, believes that Al-Makura’s political journey and grassroots support position him as the ideal candidate to steer the party towards stability ahead of the 2027 elections. His statement underlined that the CPC bloc, which helped form the APC, had often been sidelined during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and now deserved recognition for their contributions.
“Al-Makura has kept the party together through difficult times when many thought of leaving. He held critical meetings with Buhari and Tinubu in London, securing a promise from Tinubu to compensate the CPC bloc,” Mahmood added, reinforcing the importance of recognising the bloc’s loyalty.
Despite some concerns about defections from the CPC faction, Mahmood asserted that the core stakeholders remained loyal to the APC, with Al-Makura being the primary reason behind their continued commitment. However, he cautioned that any further exclusion of CPC interests could threaten the party’s unity in the run-up to the 2027 election cycle.
When questioned about the suggestion that Al-Makura should serve as a temporary figure until the December convention, Mahmood swiftly dismissed the idea, stating, “He’s not a placeholder. He’s a silent hurricane—acts more than he talks. His political journey began in 1979. He has paid his dues.” Mahmood’s endorsement reflects his belief that the APC requires maturity, experience, and institutional knowledge for the challenges ahead.
In a final endorsement, Mahmood described Al-Makura as a “stabilising force” for the APC, stating that such leadership qualities are essential as the party heads into a difficult electoral battle.
As the debate over the APC chairmanship intensifies, all eyes will be on the party’s decision-makers to see whether they heed the call for Al-Makura’s leadership. His years of experience and his key role in the party’s formation may very well position him as the leader the APC needs in these crucial times.