APC Protesters Seek Disqualification Of PDP-linked Aspirants From FCT Council Polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Consolidation Group stormed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday to protest what it described as the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) ‘s instigated subversion of internal affairs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) APC structure.

Led by its spokesperson, Idris Jibril, the APC Consolidation Group Demanded the disqualification of Danjuma Shekwolo and Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, aspirants for Kuje and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship.

In a petition submitted to the APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the group stated that Shekwolo was a delegate at the PDP Zonal Convention held on May 24, and barely 48 hours later, he obtained the APC nomination forms.

According to the petition, this was not only a direct affront to Article 20.1(iii) but also exposed a clear case of opportunistic carpet-crossing and deceit.

The APC Consolidation Group noted that Zakka, a sitting PDP chairman of AMAC, who is also contesting under the party’s platform for another tenure, has not met the mandatory three-month membership requirement, saying his sudden entry into APC was strategically calculated and violated both the spirit and the letter of its constitution.

“This petition is borne out of deep concern over the dangerous infiltration of the FCT APC by individuals who neither reflect the values of the party nor meet the constitutional requirements for nomination, yet are being positioned as candidates in a brazen attempt to hijack our internal processes.

“According to Article 20.1(iii) of the APC Constitution: ‘No person shall be eligible to contest for any elective position or be nominated as a candidate unless he/she has been a financial member of the Party for at least three (3) months and has fulfilled all party requirements’.

“In flagrant violation of this provision, Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, an aspirant for the Kuje Area Council chairmanship, was a delegate at the PDP Zonal Convention held on Saturday, 24th May 2025. Barely 48 hours later, he obtained the APC nomination and expression of interest forms. This is not only a direct affront to Article 20.1(iii) but also exposes a clear case of opportunistic carpet-crossing and deceit.

“Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, a sitting PDP Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), also reportedly contesting under the APC platform for another tenure, has not met the mandatory three-month membership requirement. His sudden entry into our party is strategically calculated and violates both the spirit and the letter of our constitution.

“These actions, if unchecked, will set a dangerous precedent — one that allows political turncoats and saboteurs to undermine our platform, frustrate long-serving loyal members, and turn APC into a haven for rejected opposition elements.

“Our great party must not reward disloyalty, nor should it become a shelter for political opportunists rejected by their original parties. The APC must be seen to stand on the pillars of integrity, discipline, and fairness, especially at a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is championing renewed hope and national rebirth.

“We trust that your leadership will act quickly and decisively to avert a looming crisis and preserve the legacy of progressives in the FCT. Potential breakdown of law and order in Kuje and Bwari, mass protest and withdrawal by aggrieved, loyal APC aspirants and supporters.

“Reputational damage to the APC ahead of the 2026 Area Council Elections and the 2027 general elections. The party cannot afford to reward betrayal and alienate its true base in the name of desperate electoral calculations.

“Given the foregoing, we respectfully demand the following: Immediate disqualification of Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo and Christopher Zakka Maikalangu from contesting under the APC in the forthcoming Area Council elections in line with Article 20.1(iii) of the APC Constitution. A clear directive dissociating the APC from Senator Philip Aduda, who remains a known PDP figure and must not be allowed to meddle in APC affairs through proxy candidates.

“A stern warning to FCT party executives who may be complicit in this plot, with consequences clearly outlined for any further breach of party rules. A formal investigation by the National Working Committee (NWC) into the growing complaints of imposition and infiltration within the FCT APC,” the petition reads.

Also speaking, a member of Tinubu/Shetima Campaign Council from Kuje Area Council, Hon. Yusuf Dabo, asked the former Senator representing the nation’s capital, Philip Aduda, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, not to meddle in APC affairs while they are still in the PDP.

“He (Aduda) should wait until the camps. When you come, we know that it is a party affair. However, for now, it is PDP fighting APC, and he is aligning himself with the FCT minister, who supports them.

“We are telling Wike to be careful because this party belongs to APC members. Wike is still in the PDP. Let him continue in PDP, but he doesn’t poke his nose into the affairs of our party. That is our position,” Dabo said.