Abuja: Alhaji Mohammed Bagana, a former Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) Board of Trustees (BoT), has affirmed that there is neither a faction within the party nor any pending litigation concerning its leadership. Bagana clarified in a statement on Monday that no case exists before the Supreme Court or any Nigerian court regarding leadership disputes within the party, emphasizing that the APM remains united nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the former BoT chairman expressed his approval of the recent defection of Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, from Bauchi and Oyo states respectively, along with their supporters into the APM. He indicated that their inclusion signifies progress towards sustainable democracy and national development, strengthening APM’s position as a credible political entity.
Bagana highlighted that the governors’ defections have significantly altered Nigeria’s political landscape, bolstering APM’s standing for future elections and enhancing democratic governance. He pointed out that some anti-democratic forces, disturbed by APM’s growing influence, are disseminating false information about a non-existent faction to destabilize the party.
He refuted claims of a faction allegedly led by him, labeling such reports as fake and mischievous, orchestrated by elements resistant to democratic progress. Bagana noted that his past disagreement with the APM National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, had been amicably resolved without any ongoing dispute or litigation.
Bagana also dismissed the assertions by a purported factional spokesman who rejected the governors’ defection, stating that he neither authorized such statements nor appointed any spokesman. He urged Nigerians to ignore those he termed as fake news merchants, accusing them of trying to deter new members and destabilize APM.
He reaffirmed the party’s unity under Dantalle’s leadership and advised the public to verify authentic party leadership through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website.