Political tensions are escalating in Ibwa Ward, Gwagwalada Area Council, following fresh allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that a former chairman of the council and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), popularly known as Zakari Angulu, is attempting to undermine the ongoing councillorship contest in Ibwa Central through inducement and political manipulation.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Muhammed Isa Hassan, spokesperson to the PDP chairmanship candidate in Gwagwalada, Kasim Mohammed, described what he called the “Angulu plan” in Ibwa Ward as “failed on arrival,” insisting that residents and political actors in the area have rejected what he termed outdated and desperate political tactics.
According to Hassan, opposition councillorship candidates in Ibwa Ward particularly in Ibwa Central, were allegedly approached and offered ₦50,000 each, with the intent of influencing their decisions in the race. He claimed the move was aimed at engineering outcomes favourable to political interests outside the PDP, while publicly preaching against anti-party activities.
“Engineering other councillorship candidates not to step down for the PDP is a clear sign of desperation,” Hassan wrote. “You claimed you would sponsor them to the end. This era is different from the era you played your politics. ₦50,000 cannot pay a councillorship candidate’s bill.”
Chronicles Reporters gathered that the alleged inducement attempt did not gain traction, as only one candidate reportedly accepted the money, while others outrightly rejected it, declaring that their “Democracy is not for sale.” Sources within the ward say the rejection has boosted morale among grassroots supporters, who see the move as a statement against vote-buying and political compromise.
Hassan further accused Angulu of double standards, alleging that while the former chairman publicly warns against anti-party activities, he is simultaneously engaging in what he described as “Maradona-style politics” in Ibwa Ward an expression commonly used to denote political trickery and backdoor maneuvers.
“You are the same person warning people not to engage in anti-party activities, yet you are the same person engaging in it in Ibwa Ward,” Hassan stated, adding that such conduct would not stand in the current political climate.
“This double standard will not stand. God will put you to shame, In Sha Allah.”
The development highlights growing intra- and inter-party tensions ahead of the local council elections in Gwagwalada, particularly in Ibwa Ward, which is considered politically strategic. Analysts say the incident underscores a broader shift in grassroots politics, where financial inducements are increasingly being challenged by candidates and voters who prioritize credibility, structure, and long-term political relevance.
As of the time of filing this report, Zakari Angulu has not publicly responded to the allegations. Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more facts emerge.
— Chronicles Reporters