Candidate of the ADC in AMAC chairmanship election, Dr. Moses Paul
The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election, Dr. Moses Paul, has rejected the outcome of the February 21, 2026 poll, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of undermining the democratic process.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Dr Paul said the conduct of the election showed “a blatant disregard” for Nigerian voters, insisting that the declared results did not reflect the true will of residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council.
“I have called you here to address the events of last Saturday, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) once again took Nigerians for granted, showing a blatant disregard for their sensibilities,” he said.
Despite the outcome, the ADC candidate said he remained encouraged by the growing political movement behind his campaign.
“I stand before you today not as a man diminished by the outcome of Saturday’s event, but as a man empowered by a political movement… It is written not in ink, but in sacrifice,” he stated.
Allegations of Irregularities
Dr Paul alleged that the election was marred by widespread irregularities, including voter intimidation, vote buying, and late arrival of materials in several polling units.
“I strongly condemn the declared results, as they do not reflect the true will of the residents of Abuja,” he said.
He listed some of the challenges faced during the exercise as:
“The restriction of movement through the imposition of a curfew; 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.”
The politician also raised concerns over alleged manipulation of results and a fatal incident at a polling unit in Gwagwa.
“There were also cases of alteration and mutilation of polling unit results, which tragically contributed to the death of Musa Abubakar at the Gwagwa polling unit while he was trying to protect his vote,” he said.
He added that he had visited the victim’s family and pledged support for his children.
“I have since visited his family and have ensured that his children will be placed on scholarship… I am calling on the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure justice.”
Tribute to Supporters
Dr Paul paid glowing tribute to his supporters, volunteers, and voters across AMAC, describing them as the true heroes of the election.
“To the young men and women who stood in the sun for hours… you are the authors of a new chapter,” he said.
“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.”
He also commended the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress for standing by democratic principles.
“Your belief in a different kind of politics has not gone unnoticed, and history will honour your courage,” he noted.
Commitment to Democracy
Reaffirming his dedication to the people of AMAC, Dr Paul said his political journey was far from over.
“No force in history has ever defeated an idea whose time has come,” he declared.
“This is not the end of our journey. This is the beginning of a permanent awakening.”
He expressed optimism about the future of the council and the country.
“One day, a new AMAC will emerge. One day, a new Nigeria will rise… history will remember that it was you, the ordinary citizens with extraordinary courage, who made it possible.”
Call for Accountability
The ADC candidate urged relevant authorities to investigate alleged electoral malpractices and ensure accountability, warning that failure to do so could erode public confidence in democracy.
“These actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the confidence of the people in our democracy,” he said.
He concluded his address with prayers for the nation and its people.
“May God bless AMAC and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Dr Paul pledged to remain accountable to his supporters and continue advocating for transparent governance, insisting that the struggle for credible leadership in AMAC and across the country must continue.
