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 undermining party structures and failing to recognise established leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The chairmen also expressed confidence in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, while passing a vote of no confidence in Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, whom they described as an exemplary and focused leader.

The position was contained in a statement dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, signed by the South-South APM state chairmen and published in Vanguard.

The forum said Makinde had carried out his presidential campaign without recognising established leadership structures in the states, adding that his actions raised concerns about his commitment to the party’s unity, accountability and organisational discipline.

While acknowledging the importance of the 2027 elections and the collective responsibility of party leaders, elected representatives and candidates, the chairmen said the party’s presidential candidate must work with existing structures to achieve its objectives.

They described the alleged failure to recognise party structures and engage established leadership as a threat to coordination and the political direction of the party.

The statement further accused Makinde of joining the APM without making adequate contributions to its development, alleging that he came from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the party had been weakened.

According to the forum, Makinde did not demonstrate sufficient commitment to the party’s existing structures across the 36 states before emerging as its presidential candidate.

The chairmen argued that the APM was an institution governed by its constitution, established procedures and recognised leadership structures, stressing that the presidential candidate must operate within the party’s framework.

They added that the party should not be treated as an appendage to an individual’s political ambition but as an institution responsible for maintaining party identity, coordinating grassroots mobilisation and sustaining organisational discipline.

The forum, however, reaffirmed its respect for the NWC and Dantalle, stating that the national leadership had continued to work towards making the APM a formidable political force ahead of the 2027 elections.

It also said the South-South leadership would take a position on the presidential election at the appropriate time, noting that the Niger Delta was too wide to be dictated to by political interests.

The statement was signed by the APM state chairmen in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta and Cross River states.

The development comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political parties and their leaders intensify preparations for the presidential contest.