FCT council polls: ADC candidate rejects result

… alleges irregularities

Barely 24 hours after accepting the outcome of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Moses Paul, has rejected the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Christopher Maikalangu, as the winner.

According to INEC, the APC candidate and incumbent chairman scored 40,295 out of the total number of Valid Votes of 62,861 in the election.

The ADC came second with 12,109 votes.

Addressing journalists on Monday, Paul alleged that the process was marred by alteration and mutilation of polling unit results and vote buying.

He also declared that the curfew imposed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, on the eve of the election contributed to widespread irregularities.

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He said, “I have reviewed the outcome as announced. While I firmly believe, based on our extensive engagement and the overwhelming spirit of our movement, that we earned the sacred mandate of the people, I strongly condemn the declared results, as they do not reflect the true will of the residents of Abuja.

“Even among those who voted, many have expressed deep disagreement with the announced outcome due to widespread irregularities.

“These include the restriction of movement by the imposition of curfew, alteration and mutilation of polling unit results, which tragically contributed to the death of Musa Abubakar at the Gwagwa polling unit while trying to resist their actions; the intimidation and attacks on ADC party members by security agencies; massive vote buying across several wards; and voter suppression caused by the late arrival of election materials in key polling units, including Kabusa, among others.

“These actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the confidence of the people in our democracy.”

He was, however, silent on his next line of action.

He commended the ADC faithful for their open, relentless support displayed during the campaigns.

The ADC chairmanship candidate for AMAC also thanked the leadership of the party for their support.

“Our movement was never built on the fragile foundation of titles; it was built on the enduring foundation of truth. And truth does not expire with an election.

“To the young men and women who stood in the sun for hours, who walked distances they had never known, and who gave their time, strength, and voices: you are the authors of a new chapter.

“To those who came from near and far, who sacrificed their resources and endured intimidation and doubt, your sacrifices have forever altered the moral landscape of AMAC.

“To those who gave their life, blood, sweat, and unwavering courage: you have shown that the Nigerian spirit is alive and refuses to kneel.

“You did not only stand for me; you stood for yourselves, for your children, for justice, for democracy and for the powerful belief that leadership must be earned, not imposed. For this, I will remain eternally grateful.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to every voter who performed their sacred civic duty. Your courage has reaffirmed democracy as a living promise, not a forgotten idea.

“I thank the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for standing firmly on the side of principle. Your belief in a different kind of politics has not gone unnoticed, and history will honour your courage.”