Dr. Moses Paul, candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, has publicly rejected the outcome of the poll, alleging widespread irregularities and a disregard for democratic principles by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, February 22, the ADC candidate said he convened the press conference to respond to what he described as troubling developments surrounding the election. He accused INEC of taking Nigerians for granted and displaying what he termed a blatant disregard for the sensibilities of the electorate.
Dr. Paul stated that he was not diminished by the declared outcome but rather strengthened by what he characterized as a growing political movement rooted in conviction and sustained by the people. According to him, the movement that emerged during the campaign was driven not by the pursuit of power but by shared sacrifice and belief in accountable leadership.
Reflecting on the months leading to the election, he described a groundswell of support across communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, from Karshi to Wuse, Nyanya to Gui. He expressed gratitude to residents who, in his words, stood up to express their beliefs and aspirations for a different style of governance.
He argued that the election represented more than a contest for office, describing it as a moment in which citizens sought to assert their dignity and reclaim their future. While acknowledging the results as announced, Dr. Paul maintained that they did not reflect what he called the true will of Abuja residents. Based on what he described as extensive engagement and the spirit of his campaign, he said he believed his candidacy had earned the mandate of the people.
Central to his rejection of the outcome were allegations of widespread irregularities. He cited the imposition of a curfew and restrictions on movement on election day, which he said hindered voter participation. He further alleged intimidation and attacks on ADC party members by security agencies, as well as massive vote buying in several wards.
Dr. Paul also claimed that voter suppression occurred due to the late arrival of election materials in key polling units, including Kabusa. According to him, delays in the distribution of materials discouraged participation and undermined the integrity of the process. He further alleged cases of alteration and mutilation of polling unit results.
In an emotional moment during his address, Dr. Paul referred to the death of Musa Abubakar at the Gwagwa polling unit, stating that the incident occurred while Abubakar was attempting to protect his vote. He disclosed that he had visited the deceased’s family and pledged to place Abubakar’s children on scholarship as a gesture of support. He called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that justice is served.
According to the ADC candidate, these alleged irregularities collectively undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and erode trust in the electoral process. He emphasized that democracy depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the perception of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Despite his criticisms, Dr. Paul struck a tone of resolve rather than resignation. He reiterated that his political movement was not built on the pursuit of titles but on principles. He thanked young people who, he said, stood in the sun for hours and walked long distances to cast their votes. He commended volunteers and supporters who, according to him, sacrificed time, resources, and comfort in pursuit of what they believed to be a just cause.
He extended appreciation to elders, women, and youths who supported his campaign, stating that their commitment had given him purpose beyond electoral victory. He also thanked the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress for standing, in his words, on the side of principle and for supporting what he described as a different approach to politics.
Dr. Paul maintained that the movement ignited during the campaign would continue beyond the election. He said that political transformation is not achieved in a single electoral cycle but through sustained civic engagement and the courage of ordinary citizens. He expressed confidence that what began in AMAC would not end there and that the desire for accountable leadership would persist.
He affirmed his commitment to remain accountable to the people of AMAC and described himself as one of them rather than a distant political figure. While he did not outline specific legal steps, his remarks suggested that the ADC may consider further action regarding the conduct of the election.
In closing, Dr. Paul framed the moment as the beginning of what he termed a permanent awakening within the council area. He expressed optimism that a new AMAC and, ultimately, a new Nigeria would emerge through continued civic participation and collective resolve. He said history would remember the ordinary citizens who, in his view, demonstrated extraordinary courage in standing up for their beliefs.
The February 21 AMAC chairmanship election was conducted alongside other local government polls in the Federal Capital Territory. As political actors review the results and assess next steps, Dr. Paul’s address underscores lingering tensions and competing narratives surrounding the conduct of the exercise.
Whether the allegations raised will lead to formal petitions or judicial review remains to be seen. For now, the ADC candidate’s position is clear: he rejects the declared outcome, alleges substantial irregularities, and vows to sustain the political movement that crystallized during the campaign.
