A purported letter claiming that Hon. Kasim Muhammad Ikwa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Gwagwalada Area Council, has withdrawn from the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections has been described as fake and misleading.
The letter, which circulated widely on social media and messaging platforms on Thursday, alleged that Ikwa had voluntarily stepped down from the race after consultations with his family and stakeholders.
However, in an exclusive reaction to Chronicles Reporters, Ikwa categorically denied authoring or authorizing the letter, insisting that it was fabricated by political opponents.
“That letter is a lie, pure fabrication,” Ikwa said. “It was generated by people who already know they don’t stand a chance of winning this election. I have not withdrawn from the race, and I am very much still on the ballot.”
Ikwa described the document as a desperate act of misinformation, urging the public and his supporters to completely disregard the report.
“I urge my supporters and the good people of Gwagwalada Area Council not to listen to lies or be distracted by propaganda,” he added. “Tomorrow is about the people’s choice. Everyone should come out, remain focused, and vote.”
The PDP candidate further reaffirmed his commitment to the electoral process under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, stressing that he remains confident of victory at the polls.
Political observers say the emergence of fake withdrawal notices has become a common tactic in tightly contested local elections, often aimed at suppressing voter turnout or confusing supporters on election eve.
As of press time, no official withdrawal notice has been submitted to the relevant electoral authorities, and Hon. Kasim Muhammad Ikwa’s name remains validly listed among candidates contesting the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship seat.