The contest for the position of Secretary to the Gwagwalada Area Council has intensified, with the race reportedly exposing deep political divisions, competing loyalties and growing tensions among key stakeholders within the council and sections of the Igbo community. Multiple sources familiar with developments at the council told Chronicles Reporters that one of the leading contenders, Mr. Agu Okechukwu, has attracted opposition from some political stakeholders, who question his suitability for the office.
According to the sources, Mr. Agu previously served in the administration of former Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Abu Giri, but allegedly failed to make a significant impact during his tenure. The sources further alleged that Mr. Agu is involved in ongoing litigation arising from his management of Zuba Market, where he was assigned administrative responsibilities.
According to the sources, the dispute involves traders who challenged alleged attempts to dispose of market shops. Chronicles Reporters has not independently verified the nature of the claims before the court, and the matter remains subject to judicial determination. The sources also alleged that legal proceedings involving members of the former Abu Giri administration are pending before the courts.
ChroniclesReporters could not determine the status of any such proceedings. Political insiders described Mr. Agu as “rigid, self-centred and arrogant,” alleging that he has mounted an intensive lobbying campaign for the position while attempting to weaken support for his principal rival, Mr. Dominic Anago.
Mr. Anago is widely regarded as a close friend, longtime loyalist and trusted ally of the incumbent Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Kasim Ikwa, and is considered by many stakeholders to be a strong contender for the office. Sources also alleged that after a fallout with his former political ally and boss, Abu Giri, Mr. Agu played a role in events that led to an investigation of the former chairman by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Chronicles Reporters could not independently verify the allegation, and there is no public evidence establishing such a role. The unfolding contest has reportedly drawn the attention of influential political figures within Gwagwalada. According to sources, a respected political leader popularly known as “Obama,” who is regarded as a political mentor to the incumbent Chairman, Kasim Ikwa, is opposed to Mr. Agu’s emergence as Secretary. Nevertheless, the sources maintained that Obama has chosen not to interfere with Chairman Ikwa’s constitutional authority to make appointments.
The controversy has also reportedly spilled into the Igbo community in Gwagwalada. Sources claimed the community is divided between supporters of Mr. Agu and those backing Mr. Dominic Anago. According to the sources, HRH Aguma, a First Class traditional ruler in Gwagwalada, is among those allegedly opposed to Mr. Agu’s appointment.
Also Mr Agu threatened an igbo chief in gwagwalada. According to sources, the alleged disagreement stemmed from a meeting which HRH Eric Onah, the Igbo traditional leader, reportedly had with the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Kasim Ikwa, during which he is said to have conveyed the preference of some members of the Igbo community for Mr. Dominic Anago as Secretary to the Council.
The sources claimed that HRH Onah allegedly advised the chairman against considering Mr. Agu Okechukwu for the position, arguing that Mr. Anago enjoyed broader support within the community. The sources further alleged that after learning of the purported meeting and the position allegedly conveyed to the chairman, Mr. Agu became displeased and allegedly threatened HRH Onah with dethronement.
As consultations continue behind closed doors, political observers say the appointment of the next Secretary to the Council is shaping up to be one of the defining early decisions of the Kasim Ikwa administration, with significant implications for political cohesion, governance and community relations in Gwagwalada. Efforts to obtain comments from Mr. Agu Okechukwu, Mr. Dominic Anago, Chairman Kasim Ikwa, former Chairman Abu Giri, HRH Aguma and HRH Eric Onah were unsuccessful as of press time. The allegations contained in this report remain unverified, and those named have not publicly responded.