By Suraju Ola
In a new twist to the deepening leadership dispute within the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bwari Area Council, loyalists of Hon. Shekwolo Audi staged a peaceful solidarity rally at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, calling on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to affirm Shekwolo’s mandate as the rightful chairmanship candidate.
The protesters — youth groups, women’s organisations, elders, and grassroots stakeholders from Bwari Area Council — carried placards with inscriptions like “Shekwolo is the People’s Mandate, APC Must Uphold Justice, and Respect Grassroots Decisions.”
Amid the songs and chants of loyalty to the party, the group submitted a petition demanding that the National Chairman act swiftly to protect the alleged outcome of the party’s internal appeal process, favouring Hon. Shekwolo Audi.
In a notable moment during the protest, Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki addressed the crowd on behalf of the party leadership, praising the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct and reaffirming the party’s stand on democratic integrity.
“Members of this great party, we are delighted. We commend you for coming to the National Headquarters to pay a solidarity visit over the free and fair election that produced Hon. Shekwolo as the flagbearer for Bwari Area Council Chairmanship,” he stated.
He emphasised that the APC remains committed to conducting free and fair elections at all levels, from councillors to governors and the presidency.
“We shall continue to maintain fairness and ensure transparent electoral processes from the ward level to the highest office in the country. We pray that Almighty Allah guides you and gives you strength and courage. Come 2026, we will ensure the Area Council elections are successful,” he added.
In conclusion, he greeted all Bwari APC members from the APC National Chairman and the National Working Committee. He hoped for a united and victorious party heading into the 2026 elections.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Prince John Danlami, Talban of Byazhin, a youth leader from Bwari, area council, declared unwavering support for Hon. Shekwolo Audi, describing him as a “man of integrity” with deep community roots.
“The people of Bwari gave Shekwolo this mandate, and we will not stand by while falsehood and propaganda try to take it away. He has worked tirelessly for this party,” Danlami said.
Barr. Fatima Gana, legal counsel to the Shekwolo campaign, dismissed recent allegations by rival factions as “cheap political blackmail.”
“We are confident in the legal process and the party’s leadership. Shekwolo has nothing to hide,” she added.
While defending their preferred candidate, the protesters also emphasized the importance of unity and reconciliation within the APC.
Hajia Amina Sule, a women’s mobilizer, urged the leadership to act quickly to resolve the rift.
“The longer this crisis continues, the more we risk alienating the electorate in Bwari. We urge the National Chairman to step in and ensure fairness prevails,” she said.
This rally comes days after a rival group, aligned with Hon. Joshua Musa Ishaku, staged its own demonstration, alleging electoral fraud and demanding the affirmation of Ishaku as the party’s candidate.
