South-South APM Chairmen Pass Vote Of No Confidence In Seyi Makinde

The Forum of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) state chairmen in the South-South geopolitical zone has passed a vote of no confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, accusing him of disregarding established party structures and failing to uphold internal democracy.

In a statement signed by the APM state chairmen in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta and Cross River states, the group said the decision followed deliberations on the state of the party and its relationship with Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The chairmen said the resolution was necessary to protect the party’s unity, accountability and organisational discipline, expressing concern over what they described as a breakdown in recognition, consultation and engagement with established party leadership structures.

They accused Makinde of undermining the party’s hierarchy in matters relating to organisation, coordination and political direction, warning that the development could affect the party’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

REad ALso: APM Flags Off Bauchi By-Election Campaign Ahead September 19 Poll

According to the statement, “We express serious concern over what we consider to be the inadequate recognition, consultation and engagement of the established party hierarchy in matters relating to the organisation, coordination and political direction of the party by Seyi Makinde.”

The group also questioned Makinde’s conduct towards party members, alleging that he had failed to demonstrate the respect and commitment expected of a presidential candidate.

It said the candidate had allegedly acted as though he were a presidential candidate outside the party’s established structures, adding that such an approach was inconsistent with the principles of internal democracy.

The chairmen further alleged that Makinde had planned coordinators of his presidential campaign in the 36 states of the federation from outside the party, a move they said was contrary to APM’s structure.

“We affirm that the APM is an institution governed by its constitution, established procedures and recognized leadership structures. The Presidential candidate, irrespective of his Political standing or personal achievements, must operate within the framework of the Party and maintain a constructive relationship with its national, zonal, state government and ward structures,” the statement read.

The group insisted that recognition of an individual’s political ambition must not come at the expense of party identity, coordination and organisational discipline.

It also announced that the South-South chairmen, in consultation with the governorsh​​ip candidates of the zone, the National Assembly and State House of Assembly candidates, had resolved to boycott the South-South presidential town hall meeting involving Makinde.

The chairmen said their decision was taken in protest against what they described as the candidate’s failure to recognise established party leadership structures.

They, however, maintained that the action was intended to defend the party’s institutional interests and called for leadership that respects accountability, consultation and mutual respect.

“We, however, have our utmost respect for the NWC of our Party led by our indefatigable National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, who also doubles as the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC),” the statement added.

The group also expressed confidence in the leadership of the party’s national chairman and reaffirmed its commitment to the APM ahead of the 2027 elections.

It concluded by urging party members to uphold the organisation’s principles and resist attempts to undermine its structures, warning that the South-South zone would not be used as a platform for political manoeuvring.