The National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, has said the party is free from litigation and internal crisis, as he welcomed Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, following his defection.
Dantalle commended the governor for choosing the APM, assuring him and his supporters of the party’s readiness to work with them.
“As long as it is about integrity, sacrifice and service, that is what defines political parties,” he said.
He added, “When you hear Nigeria APM, you respond with Nigeria First, but that does not mean you cannot localise it.”
The APM chairman described Bauchi as a politically unique state, noting that all parties compete fairly, reflecting its democratic culture and inclusiveness.
“Bauchi State is peculiar in the North and Nigeria at large when it comes to decision-making. It is a state where political parties contest fairly, which speaks to your democratic nature and inclusivity,” he said.
Dantalle reiterated the party’s commitment to working with the governor, expressing confidence that the development would strengthen the APM ahead of future elections.
Earlier, Governor Mohammed announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), stating that he moved with his full political structure from ward to state level.
The governor announced on Saturday after a meeting with PDP stakeholders in Bauchi, describing the current political situation as “extraordinary” and “complex”.
He said efforts to resolve the crisis within the PDP, including consultations in Abuja, did not yield the desired results, particularly after the Supreme Court judgement nullified parallel conventions held by factions within the party.
According to him, the ruling left both sides without legal standing, with the party’s Board of Trustees temporarily taking over its affairs.
Mohammed said, “After careful consideration and wide consultations, it has become clear that our efforts to restore stability have not yielded the desired results.”
He, however, appreciated the PDP for its role in his political journey.
“We remain grateful for this history and the opportunities provided,” he said.
The governor explained that his decision to join the APM was aimed at providing a credible and stable platform for his supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The APM offers us a viable platform to organise effectively, mobilise our supporters, and present a credible alternative,” he said.
He added that the party is not encumbered by legal disputes that could hinder its activities.
Mohammed also announced measures to ensure a smooth transition, including the establishment of a compliance committee, commencement of online membership registration, engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission, and mobilisation at the grassroots.
He disclosed that members of the State Executive Council intending to contest elective positions had resigned their appointments.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic ideals, the governor said, “We love the PDP because we are PDP at heart, but we had to move to continue the struggle and provide good governance.”
