The All Progressives Congress (APC) Akida Forum has denied any involvement in a recent protest held at the State Security Service (SSS) headquarters in Abuja, claiming the demonstration was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the forum’s image and that of 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” allegedly organized by opposition figures, 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 it has not endorsed any action against Mattawalle or any government official.
Reaffirming the group’s loyalty to the party, Muhammed noted their commitment to guarding against political manipulation. “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.”
Muhammed alleged the protest was a strategic move by PDP actors aiming to politicize events and smear Mattawalle’s reputation, describing it as an attempt 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 also cautioned that the APC Akida Forum is aware of unauthorized groups posing as its members and warned that legal action would be pursued against any individuals or organizations found misrepresenting the forum.
“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.”
Following the protest, Muhammed announced that forum members have initiated an investigation into the matter and plan to hold a press conference soon to share their findings and address the issue.
“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.”
