By Abdusalam Muhammad
In the beginning, the rebirth of opposition in the name of Congress for Progressive Change otherwise known as CPC was wildly celebrated in the North as many see it as the beginning of an era of credible opposition in Nigeria

But no one was left in doubt as for the mission of the party peopled mainly by Hausa/Fulani extractions that are found mainly in the North West region of the country.

There position was understandable, the last 13 years of participatory democracy tend to have relegated the group that hitherto called the shot in a country of over 250 ethnic nationalities.

The consequence of the  slip of political power to the South in 1999  is that no particular region can boast of having the prerogative power of dictating the shot without forging an alliance across the Niger and this was made possible by Obasanjo garrison style.

When General Buhari opted out of All Nigerian Peoples Party, the response by his tribesmen was sweeping as the polity witnessed massive decampment to CPC.

The Buhari’s party, as CPC is fondly called, in the North succeeded in registering itself in the North-West region that had for long yearned for the reincarnation of Ahmadu Bello, the Sardaunan Sokoto and Malam Aminu Kano type of politics where regional identity and benefits takes centre stage.

Interestingly the party had within the shortest period of time position itself as an alternative party for ‘dissident group’ who are finding it difficult to actualize their dream in the major parties.

However, a brush through history indicates that the Buhari party is yet to witness the political enthusiasm   that heralded the entrant of Daura born infantry General in to the political arena in 2003, a political hurricane that threatened Obasanjo’s  second coming.

Despite the odd against the party, there are strong and incurable beliefs among million of faithful that CPC can make difference where ANPP had failed as some members believed the party is capable of  pulling the rug from the feet of the ruling party, the PDP, to form the next government,

Ofcourse their persuasions and sentiment is understandable,  they tend to rely on ethnic support and the huge population of the region and moreso , the political  sophistication of the people, and the ability to exploit religious sentiments to achieve a predetermined goal.

A chieftain of the party in Kano , Asheik Isa Barau told Vanguard that the CPC is coasting on the right direction, pointing out that they are patiently waiting for the next election to prove their mettle.

According to him “CPC is growing bigger day in day out as other political parties are enmeshed in crisis, and we are earnestly waiting to prove our strength in the forthcoming election”.

However the party that has Rufai Hanga as the National chairman is currently bugged down by intra-party squabbles, a crisis induced by desire to control the soul of the party by close associates of General Buhari.

It is an open secret that in Kano today where the party has a strong followership,  the Chairman, Buhari Network for Change, Alhaji AbdulMajid Danbiliki Comanda is at dagger drawn with Ahmadu Haruna Danzago led state executive, while in Jigawa Hadi Ukashatu managed to effect a change on the leadership of the party  at the expense of Governor Sule Lamido’s  nephew, and gubernatorial aspirant who had hitherto controlled the party hierarchy.

The CPC as it stands now parades an intimidating credential of regional party, most of its juggernaut are cashing on General’s  Buhari goodwill to achieve their political goal. CPC may be a party of the future, on papers the party is strong but very vulnerable and susceptible to defeat in any competitive election in the North West and whether it can really make any significant impact regarding credible opposition may take a longer time to be seen.