By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairman, has rejected the February 21 election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging widespread irregularities that undermined voters’ confidence in the process.
ADC Candidate Challenges Declared Results
Paul insisted that the announced victory of Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not reflect the true will of Abuja residents. He claimed irregularities included curfew restrictions, voter suppression, result manipulation, intimidation of party members, and vote-buying across several wards.
“Even among those who voted, many have expressed deep disagreement with the announced outcome due to widespread irregularities,” Paul said. He highlighted the tragic death of Musa Abubakar at the Gwagwa polling unit, attributing it to attempts to resist result manipulation.
Allegations of Electoral Mismanagement
The ADC candidate criticized INEC for mishandling the election. Specific claims included:
- Late arrival of election materials in key polling units such as Kabusa.
- Interference by security agencies targeting ADC supporters.
- Massive vote-buying campaigns influencing results.
“These actions weaken public confidence in democracy and undermine the integrity of the electoral process,” Paul added.
Election Outcome and Statistics
INEC declared Christopher Maikalangu the winner of the AMAC chairmanship election. Maikalangu secured 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid votes, while Moses Paul of ADC finished second with 12,109 votes. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate garnered 3,398 votes.
Acknowledging Supporters and Civic Engagement
Paul expressed gratitude to the residents who participated actively, saying, “To the young men and women who stood in the sun, walked long distances, and gave their voices, you are authors of a new chapter.” He praised Abuja residents from Karshi to Wuse, Nyanya, and Gwi for demonstrating civic courage and resilience.
Conclusion: Upholding Principles Over Titles
Paul emphasized that the ADC movement is built on conviction and truth, not convenience or power. “This movement is carried by people, written not in ink, but in sacrifice,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to democratic ideals.
