THE Forum of Former ANPP Members has issued a sharp rebuttal to statements made by Mr. Vitalis Ajumbe, describing his recent press comments as “false, misleading, and politically toxic.”
The group accused Ajumbe of stoking unnecessary tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and misrepresenting both history and party loyalty.
In a joint statement signed by Umar Dauda Duhu, Ph.D., Forum Chairman, and Hon. Rasaq Folorunso, Secretary, the Forum categorically disassociated itself from Ajumbe’s claims made during a media engagement in Abuja, where he allegedly said that former members of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) would exit the APC if one of their own is not supported for the presidency in 2031.
“Mr. Ajumbe’s assertion that we have agreed to leave the APC unless we get a 2031 presidential ticket is a blatant falsehood,” the Forum said. “There was no such meeting, agreement, or conversation, and we challenge him to provide evidence.”
The Forum condemned what it described as veiled threats aimed at President Bola Tinubu, accusing Ajumbe of attempting to blackmail the President and the APC into political submission.
“The suggestion that the APC must guarantee a former ANPP member for the 2031 ticket is disrespectful and speculative. It is also political blackmail disguised as advocacy,” the statement read.
The Forum reiterated its belief in internal party democracy, noting that President Tinubu has no constitutional power to impose a successor, and any aspirant must earn the presidency through due process.
“President Tinubu’s role in 2031 will be to support a candidate of his choice, just like any party member, within the bounds of the APC Constitution and the Electoral Act,” the group noted.
Perhaps most damningly, the Forum questioned Ajumbe’s right to speak on behalf of former ANPP members, noting that he voluntarily withdrew his APC membership before the 2023 general elections.
“Mr. Ajumbe has no locus standi to speak on our behalf. He is not a member of the APC, and his attempt to revive relevance through misinformation is both laughable and dangerous,” the Forum stated.
They also warned against what they termed “megaphone diplomacy”, saying proper dialogue channels exist for engagement with the President and party hierarchy.
The Forum called on APC members to resist divisive tactics and instead embrace respectful internal dialogue, especially in the buildup to future elections.
“Our loyalty to the APC is unshaken. We are committed to the ideals of party discipline, constitutionalism, and democratic competition,” the statement affirmed.
“We urge all stakeholders to avoid incendiary remarks that damage cohesion and risk creating unnecessary divisions.”
Concluding, the Forum urged Nigerians and APC faithful to disregard Ajumbe’s statement and view it as an “attempt to destabilize the party for personal gain.”
“We remain committed to building a united, inclusive and forward-looking APC that upholds the rule of law and delivers dividends of democracy to Nigerians.”
The rebuttal has added a new layer to ongoing internal political dynamics in the APC as party blocs begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 and 2031 general elections.