The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2026 Abuja Municipal Area Council election, Dr Moses Paul Ogigi, has rejected the outcome of the poll, alleging irregularities and widespread vote buying.
Bellnews reports that Ogigi, popularly known as Dr Mo, was defeated by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on Arise News, Ogigi claimed he was in a clear lead before what he described as sudden manipulation.
“By 3pm I had already won the elections across board and then magic began to happen. And this is, this is a crazy thing,” he said.
He added that the just-concluded election would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Ogigi further stated, “This is why these particular elections that we just concluded will be a defining moment in the democratic journey for Nigeria.
“Not because it reflects the will of the people, but because it exposes that obstacle that hangs in the way of the will of the people.”
Ogigi said he entered the race with high expectations, particularly with what he described as changes in INEC’s leadership.
“I came into this particular race, hoping that, believing in democracy, believing in the resilience of the will of the people in Abuja, believing that, especially with the change in the INEC leadership, so I was hoping for something new,” he stated.
He, however, expressed disappointment over what he alleged were irregular practices during the poll.
He added, “So not only do I reject the outcome of the results, but I also…it is so disheartening to see the imposition of curfew, to see the mutilations of result, to see how members of the ADC were harassed from different polling booths.
“And I’ve never seen a heightened level of vote buying like we’ve seen in this particular election.”