The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has dismissed reports of an alleged faction within the party, describing the claims as “fake news” orchestrated by political mischief makers seeking to destabilise the party ahead of future electoral contests.
In a statement issued Monday, former pioneer Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Muhammed Musa Bagana, denied authorising any statement rejecting the reported defection of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to the party.
Bagana said he was not aware of any faction operating within the APM and disowned a purported statement allegedly issued by one Muhammed Bello, who claimed to be spokesman for a so-called Bagana faction.
“I wish to state categorically that there is no faction in the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and no pending appeal in the Supreme Court or any court in Nigeria on leadership dispute in the party,” he stated.
He explained that although he previously had a political disagreement with the APM National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the issue had since been amicably resolved.
“Although I once had a political disagreement with the APM National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, that misunderstanding had long been amicably resolved, settled and reconciled,” Bagana said.
He further clarified that there was no pending litigation between him and the party leadership in any Nigerian court.
Bagana welcomed the reported movement of Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, alongside their supporters, into the APM, describing the development as a major boost for the party and Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, the defections have strengthened the APM’s position as a viable political platform capable of competing effectively in future elections and delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
“As expected, their defection to APM has upset the political equation in the country and positions the party as a viable platform for electoral contests and delivery of fruits of democracy,” he said.
He accused unnamed anti-democratic forces of spreading falsehoods about divisions within the party in a bid to discourage new entrants and destabilise the organisation.
“The public should ignore these peddlers of fake news and agents of political destabilisation in this crucial electoral season,” he said.
Bagana reaffirmed that the APM remains united under the leadership of Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and urged Nigerians to verify the party’s authentic leadership structure through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
