APC Stakeholders Protest Alleged Moves to Undermine Joshua Ishaku’s Mandate in Bwari
Stakeholders and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bwari Area Council have raised strong objections over what they described as desperate attempts to subvert the mandate of Hon. Joshua Musa Ishaku, winner of the party’s chairmanship primary election held on June 25, 2025.
In a statement signed by Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed, Convener of the APC Stakeholders Forum, the group accused certain party elements of forgery, propaganda, and blackmail aimed at replacing Ishaku with Mr. Haruna Audi Shekwolo, who allegedly lost the primary.
Primary Election and Court Withdrawal
The stakeholders recalled that the primary, conducted under the supervision of party officials and security agencies, was free and fair despite violent disruptions. Ishaku emerged with 33 votes, while Shekwolo recorded zero. Dissatisfied, Shekwolo reportedly went to court seeking a rerun but later withdrew the case after what they described as “overwhelming evidence” of Ishaku’s victory.
Allegations of Forgery and Propaganda
The protest statement accused Shekwolo’s supporters of circulating a forged result sheet and spreading false claims, including allegations that President Bola Tinubu ordered Ishaku’s substitution. The group further dismissed allegations portraying Ishaku as a PDP agent, stressing that he is a founding APC member and former councillor of Dutse Ward under the party.
They described the actions as “desperate blackmail, political gangsterism, and betrayal of the APC spirit.”
Hypocrisy Within the Party
The stakeholders noted that in 2021, when Shekwolo secured the party’s ticket, Ishaku supported the APC campaign financially and materially despite losing out. They contrasted that with Shekwolo’s poor electoral performance, alleging he lost all 10 wards in Bwari during the election.
Faulting the Appeal Committee
The group also discredited an “Appeal Committee Report” being circulated, arguing that it violated Article 20 (iv) of the APC constitution by failing to invite Ishaku or other aspirants for a fair hearing. They further pointed out that the report was produced while Shekwolo’s case was still in court, calling it a breach of due process.
Demands and Warning
The stakeholders urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to:
- Uphold the integrity of the June 25 primary results.
- Immediately affirm Ishaku’s candidacy.
- Distance the party from Shekwolo’s alleged forgery and anti-party activities.
- Send a strong signal that APC will not be hijacked by “a desperate clique of losers.”
“This is the battle for the soul of Bwari and a litmus test for APC’s internal democracy ahead of 2027,” the statement read.
The group reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging decisive action to safeguard the party’s credibility and unity.
