NIGERIA: APC Group Demands Shekwolo’s Disqualification Over PDP Links, Warns Of Crisis In FCT Council Election 

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Tensions are rising within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the APC Consolidation Group has called for the immediate disqualification of Mr. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo from the party’s 2026 Area Council elections bid over his link to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking at a press briefing held Friday at the Barcelona Hotel, Abuja, the group’s spokesperson, Mallam Idris Jibril, raised serious concerns over what he described as acts of political sabotage and internal betrayal.

He alleged the be sabotage is engineered by opposition elements.

The group warned that recent developments in Kuje and Bwari Area Councils, particularly Mr. Shekwolo’s sudden move from the PDP to the APC, could undermine party unity and spark unrest.

Mr. Shekwolo, according to the group, was a delegate at the PDP Zonal Convention as recently as May 24, 2025, yet has now secured APC nomination and expression of interest forms.

They described his move as opportunistic and a threat to loyal APC members who have worked over the years to build the party in the FCT.

Even more troubling, the group alleged that former Senator Philip Aduda of the PDP is behind the move, reportedly using the name of the Honourable Minister of the FCT to suppress objections and legitimize Mr. Shekwolo’s candidacy.

Mallam Jibril warned that such political manipulation is dangerous and could destabilize the relatively peaceful political atmosphere in both councils.

He said preliminary investigations suggest a coordinated effort by the PDP to infiltrate and weaken the APC’s chances in the FCT ahead of the 2026 elections.

The group commended the FCT APC Chairman and State Working Committee for their restructuring efforts but cautioned that the party must not allow its platform to be hijacked by “desperate defectors with questionable loyalty.”

They called on APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to take swift action to protect the integrity of the party.

The group also appealed to the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to monitor the situation closely and prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Reaffirming their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, the group said the coming Area Council elections will be a critical test of the party’s strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They urged the immediate disqualification of Mr. Shekwolo, stressing that the APC must remain a credible platform for only genuine and loyal members.

The group concluded by applauding aspirants who have remained faithful to the party’s consti

tution and electoral guidelines.