PRESS STATEMENT: RSM Stands with the African Action Congress in Rejecting Electoral Fraud in the FCT Area Council Elections
PRESS STATEMENT
Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM)
22nd February 2026
RSM Stands with the African Action Congress in Rejecting Electoral Fraud in the FCT Area Council Elections
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) hereby declares its firm solidarity with the African Action Congress (AAC) in denouncing the widespread vote buying, massive rigging, and shamefully low voter turnout that characterized the Area Council elections held on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) wholeheartedly supports the African Action Congress (AAC) in the February 21 Area Council Elections. The AAC presents the following candidates during the Area Council elections.
- Isah Lawal Boyi- Kabusa ward
- Kenneth E. Ochogwu- Orozo ward and
- Usman Sydney- Pai ward
What played out across the Area Councils was not a genuine exercise in democratic choice but a troubling display of monetized politics and manipulation of the people’s will. Reports from various polling units indicate open vote buying, with party agents shamelessly distributing cash to desperate and impoverished voters. This is an insult to the working people, youth, women, and the poor residents of the FCT who deserve dignity, not crumbs in exchange for their future.
The low voter turnout is itself a serious indictment of the political system. It reflects growing disillusionment among the masses who see little difference between political parties that recycle the same anti-people policies. When elections become contests of who has the deepest pockets rather than who has the best programme, ordinary people naturally withdraw in frustration.
The reports emerging from several polling units reveal a deeply compromised electoral process. Open inducement of voters with cash and material gifts, intimidation, and manipulation of results undermine the very foundation of democracy. Elections are meant to reflect the free will of the people not the power of money, political godfathers, and entrenched interests.
According to news reports the EFCC’s intervention has now added another layer of concern over the integrity of the elections, as allegations of vote buying and electoral fraud continue to trail the council polls across the FCT. The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, revealing that more than N17 million was recovered from the suspects during coordinated operations across several area councils. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has arrested 20 suspects over alleged vote-buying and other electoral offences during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections held on Saturday.
The low turnout recorded across the Area Councils is itself a powerful statement. It reflects growing frustration, distrust, and alienation among residents who increasingly view the electoral system as unresponsive to their daily struggles with unemployment, rising living costs, poor infrastructure, and failing public services. When people lose faith in the ballot, democracy is weakened.
RSM recognizes and supports the principled stand taken by the AAC in rejecting these anti-democratic practices. We commend all candidates, party agents, and supporters who resisted intimidation and refused to participate in corrupt practices despite enormous pressure.
The massive irregularities reported in several wards further undermine public confidence in the electoral process. Elections are meant to reflect the sovereign will of the people — not the manipulations of political godfathers and corrupt interests.
There is also a viral video of police shooting teargas, Cart Away Election Result In Kuchaku Poling Unit In Kuje Area Council. This was done with the APC candidate also present; this is an area that belongs to the Opposition.
The RSM insists that democracy cannot thrive where poverty is weaponized and where state institutions fail to protect the integrity of the ballot. The situation in the FCT is a reflection of the broader governance crisis in Nigeria, where public resources are squandered while the masses struggle with unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and deteriorating social services.
As things stand, it is essential that there is a thorough and transparent investigation into all allegations of vote buying and rigging. Electoral reforms that criminalize and decisively punish electoral bribery. Mass political education and grassroots mobilization to challenge the monetization of politics.
Democracy cannot survive where poverty is weaponized and elections are treated as commodities. The struggle for credible elections is inseparable from the struggle for social justice, economic equality, and accountable governance.
Real democracy cannot be bought and sold. It must be built through mass participation, political consciousness, and the collective struggle of the oppressed.
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement reaffirms its commitment to the struggle for a socialist alternative, one where political power truly rests in the hands of the working masses, not moneybags and political merchants. The Revolutionary Socialist Movement will be part of all activities rooted in integrity, mass participation, and the collective power of working people and youth.
Signed:
Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM)
FCT Coordinator
Awofe Ismail