By Nefishetu Yakubu
Alhaji Mohammed Bagana, a former Chairman of Allied People’s Movement (APM) Board of Trustees (BoT), says there is no faction within the party or any pending litigation over its leadership.
Bagana, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said that there was any case before the Supreme Court or any Nigerian court regarding leadership disputes in the party.
According to him, the party remains united nationwide.
The former BoT chairman welcomed the defection of Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde of Bauchi and Oyo states respectively and their supporters into APM.
He said that their entry marked a significant progress toward sustainable democracy and national development, adding that it would strengthen the party’s position as a credible political platform.
Bagana also stated that the governors’ defections had altered Nigeria’s political landscape, positioning APM strongly for future elections and effective democratic governance.
He alleged that some anti-democratic forces, unsettled by APM’s growing strength, were spreading falsehoods about a non-existent faction to destabilise the party.
The former BoT chairman described the reports of a faction allegedly led by him as fake and mischievous, stressing that they were orchestrated by those he described as reactionary elements opposed to democratic progress.
He said that his past disagreement with the APM National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, had been amicably resolved without lingering any dispute or litigation.
Bagana also dismissed claims by a purported factional spokesman rejecting the governors’ defection, saying that he neither authorised such statements nor appointed any spokesman.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the antics of those he described as fake news merchants, accusing them of attempting to discourage new members and destabilise APM.
Bagana 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.
He disclaimed any statement linking him to a faction within the party, insisting that such reports were false, misleading and products of political mischief-makers. (NAN)
