Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has been hit by internal crisis, after its six Southsouth state chairmen passed a vote of no confidence in its presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde.

The Oyo State governor was also accused of sidelining party structures ahead of the 2027 general election.

The chairmen, in a joint statement issued yesterday, alleged that Makinde had appointed campaign coordinators, who were not members of the party, while failing to consult established leaders in the region.

They also accused the presidential candidate of poor leadership, dishonesty and mishandling of funds, raising questions about the party’s internal cohesion, as preparations for the election gather momentum.

“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 chairmen said.

They expressed concern about what they described as the inadequate recognition of party officials and the exclusion of existing structures from the organisation of the presidential campaign.

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

The chairmen alleged that appointments of non-members as campaign coordinators undermined the party’s established leadership and weakened its structures across the country.

They further accused Makinde of using the party to advance his personal ambition, rather than working through its recognised leadership.

The chairmen said lack of consultation and engagement had created concerns among party officials about the direction of the presidential campaign.

Their action represents a show of opposition to Makinde from party leaders in the Southsouth, although the statement did not indicate whether the chairmen intended to withdraw their support for the APM or take further steps against his candidacy.

The allegations of dishonesty and financial mismanagement were not accompanied by specific details in the statement, and Makinde’s response was not included in the report.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general election, with internal disputes over leadership, candidate selection and campaign control threatening to complicate their preparations. (The Nation)