FCT Polls: ADC Candidate, Obidients Reject AMAC Chairmanship Results, Allege Irregularities

The aftermath of the February 21 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election has been marked by strong objections from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, and members of the Obidient Movement, who have rejected the outcome declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC announced that Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory with 40,295 votes out of a total of 62,861 valid votes cast. Dr. Paul came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate received 3,398 votes. However, the ADC candidate and his supporters have alleged widespread irregularities and questioned the credibility of the process.

Allegations of Irregularities and Disputed Mandate

In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Moses Paul ADC candidate rejected the election results, alleging voter suppression, manipulation of results, intimidation of party supporters, and vote buying across several wards in AMAC. He maintained that the announced figures did not reflect what he described as the “true will” of residents.

Paul stated that his campaign had built a grassroots movement across communities such as Karshi, Wuse, Nyanya, and Gui, expressing gratitude to supporters who, according to him, participated actively in the political process. He insisted that the election was more than a contest for office, describing it as a struggle for democratic dignity and representation.

While acknowledging the official declaration, Paul said he believed his campaign had earned the people’s mandate. He argued that certain actions during the electoral process undermined public confidence in democracy and called for accountability from relevant authorities.

Obidient Movement Backs ADC Candidate

The Obidient Movement, which publicly supported the ADC candidate in what it described as a coalition for change, also rejected the outcome of the poll. Addressing journalists at the movement’s secretariat in Abuja, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko alleged widespread irregularities, voter suppression, and incidents of violence.

Tanko described the election results as a “brazen assault” on democratic principles, claiming that several ADC party agents were harassed and intimidated during the voting process. He further alleged that the division of polling units without adequate public communication contributed to voter confusion and apathy.

According to him, the reported seven per cent voter turnout reflected the level of public frustration. He called on INEC to investigate the allegations thoroughly and take steps to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Official Declaration and Response Efforts

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Christopher Maikalangu of the APC as the duly elected chairman, having scored the highest number of votes cast. The commission has yet to issue a detailed response to the specific allegations raised by the ADC candidate and the Obidient Movement as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, were unsuccessful, as calls placed to him were not answered. The situation leaves the matter in the realm of public debate, with stakeholders awaiting further clarification or possible legal action.

Political observers note that disputes following local council elections are not uncommon, particularly in highly contested areas such as the Federal Capital Territory. The coming days may determine whether the aggrieved parties pursue redress through legal or institutional channels.