Gwagwalada Chair assures democratic dividends delivery despite N50bn inherited debt

By Usman Shuaib

Following the affirmation of his election victory by the FCT Area Council Election Petition Appeal Tribunal, the newly sworn-in Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Mohammed Kasim, has revealed that his administration inherited a staggering N50 billion debt from the outgoing regime led by former chairman, Abubakar Jibrin Giri.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with traditional rulers in Gwagwalada on Thursday, Kasim stated that while the massive liabilities present a tough financial hurdle, it would not deter his administration from delivering basic infrastructure and democratic dividends to residents across both urban and rural communities.

The inherited N50 billion debt profile will require strict fiscal management, though the administration remains pledged to fulfilling core campaign promises.

Fresh off his tribunal victory against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Usman Yahaya, Kasim of the PDP) appealed to all political opponents to set aside election grievances and collaborate for the territory’s overall development.

He urged monarchs to work closely with the council to regulate local mining operations, strongly warning against illegal mining and called for an immediate end to the indiscriminate sale of community lands.

Royal fathers were advised to remain strictly non-partisan ahead of future electioneering cycles, serving as peaceful father figures to all political aspirants.

The Chairman’s meeting with traditional leaders came shortly after the Appeal Tribunal sitting at the FCT High Court in Gudu dismissed the petition filed by APC’s Hon. Usman Yahaya, officially validating Kasim’s victory in the February 21, 2026 chairmanship election.

Reiterating his faith in the judiciary as an independent institution, Kasim expressed relief at the verdict, declaring the court outcome a “victory for all Gwagwalada residents.”

Former Area Council Chairman, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Deze, commended Kasim for immediately engaging traditional institutions to foster transparency and local development.

Responding on behalf of the monarchs, the District Head of Dobi Ward, Alhaji Sule S. Dobi, assured the Chairman of the traditional council’s unalloyed loyalty and backing in maintaining peace and enforcing local regulations across their domains.