OPINION: A Final Word On The 2026 AMAC Chairmanship Election

By Moses Paul

Today, I bring a final and deliberate closure to my participation in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairmanship Election held on 21st February 2026.

Following the judgment of the FCT Area Council Election Appeal Tribunal, I have decided to bring this legal and political journey to an end and to move forward with hope and purpose.

My decision to proceed from the Election Tribunal to the Appeal Tribunal was never about personal ambition. It was about principle. It was about my conviction that our democracy is only as strong as our willingness to insist that the law be obeyed and that every vote cast by the people should count.

The FCT Area Council election process is unique. Unlike most election petitions in Nigeria, where further appeals may proceed to the Supreme Court, the Appeal Tribunal is the final judicial authority in Area Council election disputes. It was therefore important to me, for the sake of posterity and the development of our electoral jurisprudence, to pursue every lawful step available.

One aspect of the proceedings particularly concerned us. The Appeal Tribunal delivered its judgment while reserving its reasons for a later date. Ordinarily, within Nigeria’s judicial tradition, it is the Supreme Court that possesses the latitude to deliver a decision before issuing its reasons. This unusual development formed part of the many questions that arose throughout this process.

Equally fundamental was our contention that the Election Tribunal lacked the jurisdiction prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026. The Act clearly stipulates the composition of the Tribunal, and we maintained throughout that this mandatory requirement was not complied with. In law, jurisdiction is not a technicality; it is the very foundation upon which every judicial proceeding rests. This remains a matter of principle that I believe history, legal scholars, and future reforms will continue to examine.

Beyond the legal questions, I remain convinced, from the reports of our polling agents, our independent collation, and the information available to us throughout the electoral process, that the voice of many AMAC residents deserved a more faithful reflection. I have consistently held this position, and I do so today without bitterness, resentment, or ill will toward anyone.

However, there comes a time when every servant of the people must recognise that service is greater than office. My commitment to AMAC, to the Federal Capital Territory, and to Nigeria has never depended on holding political office. It has always depended on serving people.

I therefore close this chapter with peace in my heart and renewed determination to continue contributing to nation-building through the Free Nigeria Foundation, my political party, and every legitimate platform available to me. Whether through education, healthcare, youth development, civic engagement, humanitarian service, or public advocacy, my commitment to building a better AMAC, a stronger FCT, and a greater Nigeria remains unwavering.

I express my deepest gratitude to every member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); every volunteer; every ward, polling unit, and campaign coordinator; every supporter across the twelve wards of AMAC; every donor; every observer; every young person who believed in our vision; and the countless Nigerians, many of whom I may never meet, whose prayers, encouragement, sacrifices, and quiet acts of support sustained this journey.

I extend my profound appreciation to Mr Peter Obi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, HE. Rotimi Amaechi, Senator David Mark, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Dr Kashim Imam, Gov. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chief Ralph Nwosu, our national leadership, the FCT leadership of our party, members of the legal team, campaign officials, civil society partners, the media, election observers, and every individual who stood for the ideals of democracy throughout this process.

I also extend my appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, the election officials who carried out their duties in often difficult circumstances, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, leaders of other political parties, my fellow candidates, and indeed everyone whose role, whether in support of my candidacy or in opposition to it, formed part of this democratic exercise. Democracy is strengthened not only by those who agree with us but also by those who challenge us.

To those who voted for me, thank you for your confidence.

To those who did not, thank you for participating in our democracy.

To those who opposed me politically, I bear no resentment. Our democracy is richer because citizens are free to hold different opinions and pursue different visions for our country.

This campaign was never merely about winning an election. It was about proving that ideas matter, integrity matters, institutions matter, and that ordinary Nigerians can continue to stand for justice, accountability, and responsible leadership.

I leave this chapter without anger. I leave it with gratitude. I leave it with valuable lessons. Most importantly, I leave it with enduring hope.

Nigeria is greater than any election, any political party, any office, or any individual. Our democratic journey is still unfolding, and I remain convinced that truth, justice, constitutionalism, and the will of the people will ultimately prevail.

As for me, I will continue to serve. I will continue to build. I will continue to believe in the promise of our nation.

May God bless the people of AMAC.

May God bless the Federal Capital Territory.

May God bless all those who strive daily for a stronger democracy.

And may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Paul was ADC Chairmanship Candidate Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Election 2026