APM denies crisis as South-South chairmen move against Makinde

ABUJA — The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has denied a split in its ranks after party chairmen and candidates in the South-South reportedly boycotted a presidential town hall meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and passed a vote of no confidence in its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde.

The protest followed allegations that Makinde had sidelined state party structures and failed to consult party leaders, with the aggrieved chairmen yet to decide their position on the presidential election.

Reacting to the development, the APM National Publicity Secretary described the Uyo town hall meeting as a success, attributing the disagreement to misinformation and expressing confidence that it would be resolved.

“We are emboldened by the appreciation of the people of the South-South, who welcomed their own with huge support,” he said.

The spokesman cited Makinde’s professional and personal ties to the Niger Delta, noting that he had worked in Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states and married a woman from the region.

“There is no problem with the action of the chairmen. We agreed to disagree, even though they have gone too far. It will be resolved,” he said.

The Forum of APM State Chairmen in the South-South accused Makinde of running his campaign without recognising established party structures, consulting state leaders or engaging the party hierarchy.

Despite the protest, the APM spokesman maintained that Makinde’s campaign remained committed to its Reset Agenda, which he said sought to address poverty, economic hardship and what the party described as maladministration under the current administration.