The campaign atmosphere in Gwagwalada intensified again today as fresh rumours circulated claiming that leading chairmanship aspirant, Kasim Mohammed, had allegedly been instructed by the FCT Minister to step down from the race in exchange for the position of Council Secretary.
But in a swift and firm response, Kasim Mohammed’s media team has categorically denied the claim, calling it “a complete fabrication” engineered by “desperate individuals from the APC who have run out of campaign ideas.”
This is not the first time such claims have surfaced.
Chronicles Reporters previously reported, just a few weeks ago, an earlier rumour alleging that a ₦5 million offer was made to Kasim in an attempt to force him to withdraw from the contest. At that time as well, Kasim’s media team strongly debunked the story, describing it as a baseless move orchestrated by political opponents frightened by the aspirant’s growing influence.
Today’s rebuttal echoes that same tone of confidence and defiance.
According to the media team’s latest statement, the suggestion that Kasim has been told to step aside is nothing but a “kindergarten-level lie” designed to mislead the public and weaken the momentum of a movement that has gained massive grassroots traction across the Area Council.
“The rumour making the rounds that Kasim Mohammed has been asked to step aside and be compensated with the position of Council Secretary by the FCT Minister is not only false, but a complete fabrication manufactured by desperate individuals from the APC who have run out of campaign ideas,” the statement read.
The team stressed that Kasim Mohammed remains firmly in the race and has not stepped down, nor is he considering doing so.
“Let it be known, loud and clear: Kasim Mohammed is still fully in the race, he has not stepped down, and he will not step down. There is no amount of money, offer, negotiation, or political intimidation that can push him out of a contest he has devoted himself to, for the good people of Gwagwalada.”
They also challenged the APC to campaign with issues rather than resort to misinformation.
“If the APC has any superior argument, let them bring it forward. If they have a better plan for the people, let them present it. But this kind of cheap propaganda will not sell in Gwagwalada political market. Our people are wiser and more alert.”
The statement concluded with confidence, projecting Kasim as a candidate with both the will and the people behind him:
“Kasim Mohammed is in the race to win. He is contesting because Gwagwalada deserves better and is tired of recycled tactics and empty threats. As for this rumour, we place it where it belongs in the dustbin of failed political strategies. Kasim is moving forward, and Gwagwalada is moving with him, God willing.”
As political activities intensify ahead of the local council polls, observers note that this is the second major rumour aimed at discrediting Kasim’s bid — a sign, supporters say, of how strongly his presence is being felt in the Gwagwalada political landscape.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor developments as the race enters its most decisive phase.