The All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum has distanced itself from a recent protest at the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters in Abuja, asserting that the demonstration was an attempt to discredit both the forum and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle.
In a statement on Wednesday, Comrade Ibrahim Muhammed, Secretary of the APC Akida Forum, condemned the protest, describing it as a “national embarrassment” orchestrated by opposition elements, specifically the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“We, the real APC Akida Forum, want to clarify and address the recent events surrounding the protest that took place yesterday at the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters,” said Muhammed.
“We strongly distance ourselves from this incident and any actions against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle.”
The forum emphasized that it has never endorsed any action against Mattawalle or any government official.
Muhammed reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to the party and its commitment to guarding against manipulation for political purposes.
“Last month, in a public statement, we pledged our loyalty and vowed to be vigilant against any attempt to mislead or manipulate us for political purposes,” he said. “We stand firmly by that pledge.”
According to Muhammed, the protest was a calculated move by PDP actors seeking to politicize events and tarnish Mattawalle’s image.
He described these actions as attempts to “fabricate” opposition against the minister.
“These actors, intent on fabricating and politicizing events, are seeking to discredit the Honourable Minister and undermine our forum,” Muhammed said.
“We categorically deny any involvement in their agenda.”
Muhammed warned that the APC Akida Forum is aware of groups posing as members without authorization.
He said that any individual or organization found misrepresenting the forum would face legal action.
“We want to make it clear that any individual or group claiming to represent us without authorization will face legal consequences,” he warned.
“We are prepared to take swift legal action to protect our identity and integrity.”
In light of the protest, Muhammed said forum members have begun investigating the matter and would soon organize a press conference to present their findings and address the issue fully.
“We want to assure the public and our supporters that our members are currently investigating the incident,” he said.
“Once we have gathered the necessary information, we will call for a world press conference to address the issue comprehensively.”