ABUJA, FCT – The chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Paul Moses Ogidi, has formally rejected the outcome of Saturday’s election, alleging a massive “mutilation of results” and state-sponsored intimidation.
In a scathing statement issued following the declaration of Christopher Maikalangu (APC) as the winner, Ogidi claimed that by 3:00 PM on election day, field reports indicated he was leading decisively before “magic began to happen” during the collation process.
Allegations of “Manufactured” Results
Ogidi described the final figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a product of electoral fraud. He specifically pointed to the “phantom” numbers flagged by observers, including the case where a single unit recorded over 1,200 votes despite having only 213 accredited voters.
“Not only do I reject the outcome of that election result; it is disheartening to see the imposition of curfews, mutilation of results, vote buying, and how members of the ADC were harassed,” Ogidi stated. He argued that the use of a “security-induced” curfew was a calculated move to prevent party agents from monitoring the movement of result sheets.
Violence and Voter Harassment
The ADC candidate further alleged that his supporters and party agents were subjected to targeted attacks across several wards in AMAC. According to Ogidi, the atmosphere of fear created by security operatives and “hired thugs” contributed to the extreme voter apathy noted by FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe.
Reports from the field corroborated some of these claims:
- Kabusa: A woman was caught at PU 001 with multiple PVCs.
- Lugbe: Viral footage captured open vote-buying at LEA Lugbe.
- Garki:Â Logistical “absurdities” saw a full INEC team deployed to a unit with only one registered voter.
A “Referendum” Under Scrutiny
The AMAC election has become a focal point of post-election tension, especially following FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s assertion that the results reflect President Tinubu’s vision. Ogidi, however, countered that the process was “anything but democratic,” labeling it a “daylight robbery” of the people’s mandate.
“We will not sit idly by while our democracy is auctioned to the highest bidder,” Ogidi added, hinting at a potential legal challenge at the Election Petition Tribunal.
Election Standings (AMAC)
- Christopher Maikalangu (APC):Â 40,295 votes (Declared Winner)
- Paul Moses Ogidi (ADC):Â 12,109 votes
- PDP Candidate:Â 3,398 votes
As of Monday evening, the ADC national leadership is reportedly reviewing forensic evidence provided by their agents before filed a formal petition.
