Available reporting identifies Danladi Chiya as the APC candidate for the Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kwali/Kuje Federal Constituency, commonly referred to as Abuja South, ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Hon. Danladi Chiya, has responded to criticism surrounding his political ambition and public record, urging those who have raised concerns about his leadership and capacity to engage him directly in constructive dialogue rather than limiting their views to online criticism.
Chiya, a former Chairman of Kwali Area Council and former Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), said he welcomes criticism and would rather engage his critics to understand their concerns and explore practical solutions to the challenges facing the constituency.
According to him, governance is a complex process and no elected official can solve every problem simultaneously, particularly within a government system where bureaucracy, institutional procedures and limited resources can affect the speed at which decisions and projects are implemented.
The APC candidate said critics should therefore consider the realities of governance when assessing the performance of political office holders, stressing that leadership should be judged within the context of what is practically achievable within the available system.
Chiya also pointed to his record in public service, particularly his tenure as Chairman of Kwali Area Council and his leadership role within ALGON, arguing that his administration provided an opportunity for him to demonstrate his approach to governance.
He maintained that he did not leave workers’ salaries unpaid during his tenure and said his administration consistently sought to protect the interests of ordinary citizens.
“My records are there and nobody can say I underperformed,” Chiya said, according to his response to the criticisms.
He added that his approach to leadership has always been centred on service to the people, particularly the protection of the interests and welfare of ordinary citizens who depend on government for basic services and opportunities.
The former council chairman further said his decision to seek election into the House of Representatives was not simply about pursuing another political position but responding to what he described as a call from the people of Abuja South.
“I believe Abuja South has called me for a reason,” he said, explaining that his experience at the grassroots level had prepared him for the responsibilities associated with representing the constituency at the federal level.
Chiya’s call for dialogue comes at a time when political discussions surrounding the Abuja South constituency have intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections. Recent reports on the APC’s internal contest showed that the constituency attracted several aspirants before Chiya emerged as the party’s candidate.
Rather than treating criticism as hostility, Chiya said he wants those who disagree with his record, political ideas or proposed direction for Abuja South to present their concerns and possible alternatives.
He challenged his critics to fix a date for a meeting where they can openly discuss the issues affecting the constituency and brainstorm on practical ideas capable of producing measurable development.
For Chiya, the invitation is an opportunity to move political conversations away from accusations and personal exchanges and towards ideas, accountability and solutions.
“If you think there are things I have not done right, let’s sit down and talk. Tell me what you think can be done differently, and let us brainstorm on how we can transform our people,” he said.
His position places the focus on whether political disagreements can be converted into constructive engagement, particularly as residents of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kwali and Kuje prepare for another election cycle.
Chiya’s response also signals his willingness to make his previous record and future plans part of a broader public conversation, giving critics and supporters an opportunity to examine his claims, raise questions and offer alternative ideas about the future of Abuja South.
The former Kwali chairman has now called on those questioning his capacity or record to engage him directly, insisting that the ultimate objective should not be political confrontation but finding workable solutions to the challenges confronting the people.
The invitation, if taken up, could provide an opportunity for a more substantive conversation about Chiya’s record in Kwali, the responsibilities of a federal legislator, and the expectations of constituents across Abuja South.