By Divine Sam

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) is facing an internal crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a decision by its South-South state chairmen to pass a vote of no confidence in the party’s presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde.

The six state chairmen accused Makinde of failing to work with established party structures in organising his presidential campaign, alleging that he had sidelined party leaders and appointed campaign coordinators who were not members of the APM.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the chairmen expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the lack of adequate recognition, consultation and engagement with the party’s existing leadership in the planning and coordination of the presidential campaign.

The statement was signed by Dagodog Whyte of Rivers State, Mrs Peace Osarama of Bayelsa State, Utuku Abangaye Edet of Akwa Ibom State, Ugoigwe Onyeka Ogechukwu of Edo State, Prince Henry Ese of Delta State and Ntami Nkanu Esage of Cross River State.

The party officials also accused Makinde of dishonesty, alleged financial mismanagement and poor leadership, raising concerns about his ability to unite the party and effectively lead its campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We have realised that our Presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde lacks substance, the political will and focus to lead us right as a Presidential candidate,” the statement read.

The chairmen further alleged that Makinde had ignored the party’s established structures across the country by choosing campaign coordinators from outside the organisation instead of working with existing members and leaders.

They argued that the approach undermined the party’s internal leadership system and could weaken its preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

The South-South leaders also accused the presidential candidate of prioritising his personal political ambition over the collective interests of the party, insisting that the APM’s structures should be respected in the conduct of its affairs.

The development signals a growing disagreement within the party over the management of its presidential campaign and the role of its established leadership as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.