By Eneojo Herbert Idakwo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been plunged into a crisis following reports of an alleged plot to replace Hon. Joshua Ishaku as the party’s duly elected chairmanship candidate for the 2026 Area Councils’ election.
Hon. Ishaku emerged as the APC flag bearer after securing all 33 delegate votes at the party’s primary election held in June. However, the party’s Election Appeal Committee has reportedly recommended his removal, sparking outrage among party faithful.
Reacting to the development, the APC Stakeholders’ Forum in Bwari Area Council has strongly condemned the move, warning that such an action could trigger an internal implosion within the party. The forum’s chairman, Hon. Musa Dikko—a former chairman of Bwari Area Council—and its secretary, Hon. Shuaibu Musa, who also serves as the APC secretary in the Area Council, addressed a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to intervene and uphold justice by retaining the candidate who legitimately emerged from the primary election.
Hon. Dikko emphasized that the crisis, if not resolved swiftly and justly, could jeopardize the party’s chances in the forthcoming polls, urging that the will of the delegates must be respected.
“The APC was built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and fairness. It is imperative that the party lives up to these ideals by ensuring that the candidate who emerged through due process remains the standard bearer,” the forum stated.
According to the forum, the controversy began after Hon. Haruna Audi Shekwolo—who scored zero votes in the primary—challenged the outcome in court. His case was dismissed by the Federal High Court in Abuja for lack of merit. Undeterred, Shekwolo reportedly petitioned and lobbied the APC Election Appeal Committee, which has now recommended Ishaku’s disqualification.
The forum described the committee’s actions as lacking transparency and political decorum, labeling the process as a “kangaroo exercise” devoid of due process, credibility, and fairness.
They further cited Article 20 of the APC Constitution, which mandates that any appeal process must involve fair hearing by inviting both the petitioner and respondents for a proper review—something they allege was not adhered to.
“This matter goes beyond an individual; it is about the credibility and future of the APC in Bwari Area Council and across the FCT,” the forum added. “Hon. Joshua Ishaku is not only the popular choice of party members, but he also possesses the competence, character, and capacity to lead the council and contribute meaningfully to the success of President Tinubu in 2027.”
They urged the party leadership to act swiftly and decisively to restore order, reaffirm the integrity of the primary process, and protect the APC’s reputation as a party of fairness and justice.
