State chairmen of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Nigeria’s South-South region, alongside governorship and National Assembly candidates, have passed a vote of no confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, over alleged neglect of established party structures.
The group also announced a boycott of the South-South Presidential Town Hall Meeting, accusing Makinde of failing to consult and recognise the party’s leadership structures in the region.
In a resolution signed by the six state chairmen, the party leaders said their decision followed concerns about the organisation and direction of Makinde’s presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They alleged that the Oyo State governor had failed to engage adequately with the party’s established hierarchy, despite the time, resources and political commitment invested in building APM structures across the South-South.
The chairmen further accused Makinde of appointing presidential campaign coordinators in the 36 states who, according to them, were not registered members of the APM.
They argued that the party’s existing structures should be recognised and involved in campaign decisions, insisting that its leadership must not be sidelined in pursuit of an individual’s political ambition.
The resolution also questioned Makinde’s leadership, accusing him of dishonesty, political compromise and a lack of focus. These claims were contained in the statement issued by the party leaders.
Despite their disagreement with Makinde, the South-South chairmen expressed confidence in the party’s National Working Committee, led by National Chairman Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and urged it to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
They also passed a vote of confidence in Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, whom they described as their national leader, praising his leadership.
The group said the South-South APM chairmen would meet again at an appropriate time to decide their position on the presidential election, adding that the Niger Delta region would not be swayed by political interests.
The resolution was signed by Dagogo C. Whyte of Rivers State, Peace Oruama of Bayelsa State, Uduak Akpaneyene Edet of Akwa Ibom State, Ugiagbe Charles Ogieriakhi of Edo State, Prince Henry J. E. Eze of Delta State and Ntami Nkanu Esege of Cross River State.
