ABUJA — Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Moses Paul, has formally ended his legal challenge to the outcome of the 2026 AMAC Chairmanship Election, declaring that he is closing the chapter with “peace in my heart” while reaffirming his commitment to public service and democratic ideals.
In a statement titled “A Final Word on the 2026 AMAC Chairmanship Election,” Dr. Paul said his decision followed the judgment of the FCT Area Council Election Appeal Tribunal, which represents the final judicial authority in disputes arising from Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that his decision to challenge the election result at both the Election Tribunal and the Appeal Tribunal was motivated not by personal ambition but by a desire to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and uphold the rule of law.
“My decision to proceed from the Election Tribunal to the Appeal Tribunal was never about personal ambition. It was about principle,” he stated, adding that every vote cast by citizens should count and that electoral laws must be respected.
Dr. Paul raised concerns over aspects of the judicial process, particularly the Appeal Tribunal’s decision to deliver its judgment while reserving its reasons for a later date. He described the development as unusual within Nigeria’s judicial tradition and said it would remain an important subject for legal scholars and future electoral reforms.
He also reiterated his position that the Election Tribunal lacked the jurisdiction prescribed by the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that the tribunal was not constituted in accordance with the mandatory provisions of the law.
“In law, jurisdiction is not a technicality; it is the very foundation upon which every judicial proceeding rests,” he said.
Despite accepting the finality of the tribunal’s decision, Dr. Paul maintained that reports from his polling agents, independent collation efforts and information available throughout the electoral process convinced him that the preferences of many AMAC voters were not fully reflected in the final outcome.
Nevertheless, he stressed that service to the people transcends the pursuit of political office.
“There comes a time when every servant of the people must recognise that service is greater than office,” he said, noting that his dedication to AMAC, the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria would continue through civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives.
The former candidate announced that he would continue contributing to national development through the Free Nigeria Foundation, his political party and other legitimate platforms, with a focus on education, healthcare, youth empowerment, humanitarian service and public advocacy.
Dr. Paul also expressed appreciation to members of the ADC, campaign volunteers, polling unit coordinators, donors, election observers, civil society organisations, the media and supporters across AMAC’s twelve wards.
He extended gratitude to several prominent political leaders, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, Ireti Kingibe, Kashim Imam, Rauf Aregbesola, Ralph Nwosu, party officials, members of his legal team and campaign staff.
The former chairmanship candidate also acknowledged the roles played by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, election officials, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, President Bola Tinubu, other political parties and fellow contestants, describing democratic competition as essential to national progress.
Addressing both supporters and opponents, Dr. Paul thanked everyone who participated in the electoral process and emphasized that democracy is strengthened by the freedom of citizens to hold differing political views.
He concluded by reaffirming his faith in Nigeria’s democratic future, expressing confidence that constitutionalism, justice and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
“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,” he said.
Dr. Paul ended his statement by pledging to continue serving the public while praying for the people of AMAC, the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
