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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
National Chairman of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Muhammed Musa Bagana, has approached the Supreme Court to seek judicial determination of the ongoing leadership dispute affecting the Party.
Bagana, in a statement yesterday, and also signed by the Jigawa State Chairman Shitu Abdullahi, said his decision to approach the apex court has become necessary in view of recent developments and what the party considers to be irregularities and an attempt to hijack the structures and affairs of the APM by persons who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, the Party viewed the development as a serious threat to its constitutional structures, internal democracy and the legitimate mandate of its members and stakeholders.
He stressed that he and the APM’s Board of Trustees have resolved to seek judicial clarification and protection of the Party’s lawful structures through the appropriate constitutional and legal channels.
He explained that the appeal challenges the judgment of the Court of Appeal and seeks a final determination of substantial legal questions concerning the leadership of the Party, the powers and functions of the Board of Trustees, and other related constitutional issues.
“The application also seeks leave to appeal out of time on grounds contained in the relevant court processes.
“The appellants maintain that the Board of Trustees complied with the orders of the Federal High Court by conducting democratic congresses and elections in accordance with the Party’s constitution and applicable legal requirements, with the outcome duly communicated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The Supreme Court process is therefore intended to secure legal certainty, protect the integrity of the Party’s constitutional structures, and restore institutional stability within the Allied Peoples’ Movemen,” he said.
The National Chairman reiterated that the APM remains committed to internal democracy, constitutionalism, due process and the rule of law, adding that the APM will continue to pursue the matter peacefully and through the courts, while resisting any attempt to undermine its legitimate structures through irregular or unconstitutional means.
He added: “he Party appreciates the continued support and solidarity of its members, stakeholders and leaders across the country, including leaders and stakeholders from Jigawa, Rivers and Lagos States, and urges all members and supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the matter is before the Supreme Court.
“The leadership further calls on all stakeholders to refrain from actions or statements capable of prejudicing the judicial process and to allow the apex court to determine the matter in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The APM remains confident that justice will prevail and that the legitimate constitutional structures and democratic mandate of the Party will ultimately be upheld.”
