The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has declared that it will not allow godfatherism to determine the affairs of the party as preparations intensify ahead of next year’s general elections.
The National Chairman of the party, Yusuf Dantalle, made the declaration during an interview on Arise Television on Saturday, where he also defended the party’s recent political alliance and described it as a necessary step taken in the interest of survival and electoral readiness.
According to Dantalle, the leadership of the party believed that time was running out due to uncertainties surrounding the legal status of some political arrangements and the fast-approaching elections, making an alliance inevitable.
He explained that key political figures, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, alongside the party leadership, agreed that joining forces was the best strategic option under the prevailing political circumstances.
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“APM is the kind of egalitarian political party we want to build. Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, alongside the party leadership, felt that with elections approaching and uncertainty around the legal status, time was running out, so an alliance became necessary,” Dantalle said during the interview.
He further stated that the agreement had already been concluded and that individuals involved in the alliance were now fully recognised members of the party with the freedom to contest for political offices.
“That agreement was reached, they were welcomed into the party, and by the grace of God, they are free and clear to contest,” he added.
Dantalle maintained that despite the need for financial support to sustain political activities, the APM would resist any attempt by powerful individuals to control the structure and direction of the party.
“Every voice in the party is important. Inasmuch as we need financial resources to drive the activities of the party, we would not hoodwink ourselves with any godfather to determine what happens in our party,” he stated.
The APM chairman also described the party as one built on internal harmony and respect for democratic principles. According to him, the party has remained largely free from internal crises because its leadership operates within the provisions of the law and encourages inclusiveness among members.
“The APM is one party that I would say is clean, devoid of any form of rancour. And how did we achieve that feat? We try as much as possible to work within the laws,” he said.
The comments come amid increasing political realignments across the country ahead of the next election cycle. Several political actors are currently exploring alliances and coalition platforms as parties reposition themselves for future contests.
Political analysts believe the APM’s latest remarks signal the party’s intention to present itself as an alternative platform focused on internal democracy, inclusiveness, and independence from entrenched political interests.
Observers also note that the involvement of influential political figures in the alliance could strengthen the party’s visibility and competitiveness in the coming elections, particularly in states where established parties are facing internal divisions and leadership disputes.
As political activities continue to gather momentum nationwide, attention is expected to remain on how emerging alliances and coalition movements shape the country’s political landscape in the months ahead.
