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Says APC’s Win Manipulated through Violence, Intimidation
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Accuses INEC of Contributing to Voters’ Apathy
- Safiu Kehinde
The supporters and loyalists of the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has rejected thr results of the just concluded 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council Election.
The group, popularly known as Obidient Movement, alleged that the All Progressive Congress (APC) did emerge from the poll but was highly manipulated through violence and intimidation.
Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement’s spokesperson, made this known during a Press Conference on Monday.
Tanko labelled the results, especially that of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) where ADC’s candidate, Moses Paul, suffered defeat, as an assault on the foundation of democracy.
He held that that Obidient Movement supporters and other Nigerians had thrown their weight behind Moses Paul for the election.
“The result of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Election held this past Saturday, February 21st, 2026, are not just a political setback. They are brazen assault on the foundation of our democracy.
“As many of you know, the Obidient Movement and indeed fellow Nigerians threw their full weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, and other candidates.” Tanko said.
The Obidient Movement futther claimed that the voters’ turnout recorded during the poll was as a result of Obi’s involvement in the campaign for Paul.
“His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, showed his capacity once again with the love of the Nigerian people who came out to support the candidate of the party within the short time of joining the ADC, by calling supporters to come out and vote.
“This explains the marginal increase of voters as compared to previous voting pattern in the FCT Local Government Elections.
“We were clearly ahead in ahead in the polls. The will of the people is undeniable. Yet, that we witnessed is a criminal subversion of that will.” He said.
Meanwhile, Tanko accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of contributing to the voters’ apathy during the election.
He alleged that the commission’s decision to change the polling units of some otoers without appropriate notification had discouraged many from voting.
“Inspired by the vision of a new Nigeria with our supporters mobilised with unprecedented passion creating a powerful coalition for a change, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) contributed to th3 voters’ apathy by dividing the polling unit without informing the voters making it difficult for voters to locate their polling units.
“Many left with frustration of not voting with 7 percent turnout.” He said.
The Obidient Movement reiterated that the declared results were manipulated.
“The declared victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not earned at the polling units. It was manufactured through a campaign of violence, intimidation and blatant manipulation. ” The statement added.