Obidient Movement Alleges Electoral Violence and Agent Killing in FCT Council Polls
The Obidient Movement has vehemently rejected the declared victory of the All Progressives Congress in the recent Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election, alleging widespread violence, intimidation, and electoral manipulation. The movement's national coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of the poll, insisting the announced results do not reflect the genuine will of the electorate.
Deadly Incident at Gwagwa Polling Unit
According to Dr. Yunusa, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday, February 23, 2026, the electoral process turned deadly at the Gwagwa polling unit. He claimed that one of their agents, Musa Abubakar, was allegedly killed while resisting attempts by hoodlums to seize ballot boxes. This tragic incident created widespread panic among African Democratic Congress representatives across multiple polling areas, forcing many to abandon their posts out of fear for their safety.
Yunusa further alleged that agents were systematically harassed, threatened, and intimidated in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to silence opposition voices during the electoral process. The movement explained they initially avoided raising widespread alarm to prevent further panic among agents who remained on duty, but the severity of the situation compelled them to speak out publicly.
Movement Demands Electoral Justice
The Obidient Movement has framed this incident as more than just a local election dispute. "This is no longer about one election. This is a fight for the soul of our nation," declared Dr. Yunusa, emphasizing the broader implications for Nigeria's democratic integrity. The ADC candidate for AMAC, Dr. Moses Paul, and his team have reportedly visited the bereaved family of the slain agent to show solidarity and support during this difficult time.
Additional Allegations Against INEC
Beyond the violence allegations, the movement has also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of restructuring polling units without adequate public notice. They claim this restructuring made it extremely difficult for voters to locate their designated voting centers, potentially disenfranchising numerous eligible voters and further compromising the electoral process.
Election Results and Political Context
Recall that Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was declared winner of the AMAC chairmanship election with 40,295 votes, retaining leadership for the ruling party. The APC triumphed over Peter Obi's ally, Moses Paul of the ADC, and other contenders in this closely watched political contest within Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory. The total valid votes reached 62,861, with more than ten political parties contesting for the AMAC chairmanship position.
Prior to the election, tensions were already high as the ADC candidate, Paul Moses, was seen in a viral video warning FCT Minister Nyesom Wike against alleged plots to rig the area council election scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2026. This video generated significant reactions from Nigerians, with many expressing pessimism about the ADC candidate's prospects in the election given the political dynamics at play.
