Ex-ANPP Bloc Demands 2031 Presidency from APC, Citing ‘Unfair’ Marginalisation by CPC, ACN Factions

A major political fault line within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was exposed today, Monday, November 3, 2025, as the Association of Former ANPP Members publicly demanded that the party cede its 2031 presidential ticket to their bloc, citing a systematic exclusion from power since the party’s formation in 2013.

The group, representing the legacy members of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) one of the core pillars that merged to create the APC—held a press conference in Abuja where they alleged that both the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) blocs have dominated key positions at the expense of ANPP loyalists.

Addressing journalists, the association’s National Chairman, Professor Vitalis Ajumbe, argued that the time for equity and fairness is now.

“Since the formation of APC, the CPC bloc has ruled for eight years under the late President Buhari. The ACN bloc is currently occupying the presidency under President Bola Tinubu,” Ajumbe stated. “Fairness and equity demand that our President should hand over power to the ANPP bloc when his tenure expires in 2031.”

The group pointed out that despite their significant contributions to the party’s electoral victories, former ANPP members have been sidelined in the sharing of political power and federal appointments, including ministerial roles, ambassadorships, and leadership of government agencies. They called on President Tinubu to immediately address this imbalance by providing greater inclusion.

APC Urges Patience, Focus on 2027

Responding to the demand, officials of the APC acknowledged the ANPP’s historical importance but urged the group to temper its ambitions.

Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbo, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), acknowledged the validity of the ANPP bloc’s grievance but stated that the timing was premature. “Now, we are faced with the 2027 election, and that is the focus right now for the ruling party and the administration. I will plead with them to be patient,” he said.

Despite the strong grievances and clear demands for the 2031 ticket, the former ANPP members pledged their unwavering loyalty to the ruling party and vowed to mobilize massive support for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027, resolving to serve as a critical campaign structure across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. The internal power struggle, however, is now firmly on the party’s agenda.