Calling the development “an insult to the working people, youth, women, and poor residents of the FCT,” the statement emphasized that they “deserve dignity not mere crumbs for their future.”
The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) has expressed unwavering solidarity with the African Action Congress (AAC), rejecting what it described as rampant irregularities during the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement released Wednesday, the group condemned the elections, alleging “widespread vote buying, massive rigging, and shockingly low voter turnout” across the councils. Signed by Awofe Ismail, FCT Coordinator of the RSM, the statement affirmed the group’s full support for AAC candidates, including Isah Lawal Boyi (Kabusa Ward), Kenneth E. Ochogwu (Orozo Ward), and Usman Sydney (Pai Ward).
RSM said the elections “fell far short of genuine democratic choice,” describing the process as “a troubling display of monetized politics and manipulation of the people’s will.” The group cited reports of open vote buying, with party agents handing out cash and gifts to impoverished voters.
The statement described the situation as “an insult to the working people, youth, women, and poor residents of the FCT,” emphasizing that citizens “deserve dignity, not crumbs for their future.” It also linked low turnout to widespread public disillusionment. “When elections become contests of who has the deepest pockets rather than the best policies, ordinary citizens naturally withdraw in frustration,” it said.
Highlighting systemic flaws, RSM pointed to reports of intimidation, manipulation of results, and compromised polling units. The statement referenced the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) intervention, noting the recovery of over N17 million and the arrest of 20 suspects over alleged vote-buying and other electoral offences.
“The low voter turnout is itself a powerful signal of growing frustration, distrust, and alienation among residents, who increasingly see the electoral system as unresponsive to their struggles with unemployment, rising costs of living, poor infrastructure, and failing public services,” the group said.
RSM also commended the AAC for rejecting anti-democratic practices and praised candidates, party agents, and supporters who resisted intimidation and refused to engage in corrupt practices despite immense pressure.
The group cited further concerns, including a viral video showing police firing teargas and confiscating election results in Kuchaku Polling Unit, Kuje Area Council, allegedly in the presence of the APC candidate. RSM argued that such incidents reflect a broader governance crisis: “Democracy cannot thrive where poverty is weaponized, and state institutions fail to protect the integrity of the ballot.”
Calling for urgent reform, the RSM demanded a “thorough and transparent investigation into all allegations of vote buying and rigging,” alongside electoral reforms to criminalize and punish bribery, and widespread civic education to combat the monetization of politics.
“Democracy cannot survive where elections are bought and sold. True democratic governance requires mass participation, political awareness, and the collective struggle of the oppressed,” the statement concluded.
The FCT elections have drawn criticism from multiple stakeholders, raising concerns over the integrity and credibility of the process overseen by INEC.