Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has raised serious concerns over the notably low voter turnout recorded during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. In a statement issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, by his media office, Atiku described the poor participation as a troubling indicator of the health of Nigeria's democracy under the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku highlighted that voter turnout averaged below 20 percent across the six area councils, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)—the most urban and populous—recording a particularly alarming 7.8 percent. Out of approximately 837,338 registered voters in AMAC, only about 65,676 were accredited, translating to the low figure amid over 1.68 million registered voters territory-wide. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and observers have acknowledged generally low turnout, attributing it partly to factors like voter apathy, logistical challenges, polling unit changes, and a curfew in some areas, though some reports noted an overall average closer to 15 percent as a slight improvement over past local polls.
The former vice president argued that the abysmal civic engagement in the nation's capital—the symbolic center of Nigerian governance—was not coincidental or mere apathy. He attributed it to a deliberate political climate marked by intolerance, intimidation, and the systematic erosion of opposition voices.
“It is the predictable outcome of a political environment poisoned by intolerance, intimidation, and the systematic weakening of opposition voices,” Atiku stated. “Democracy in Nigeria is being suffocated—slowly, steadily, and dangerously.”
He further warned that when citizens lose faith in the electoral process and believe their votes do not matter, democratic institutions begin to erode. “When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” he added, describing the situation as more than routine disinterest but a symptom of broader governance issues.
Atiku accused the Tinubu-led government of constricting democratic space by targeting dissenters, coercing political defections, and treating alternative viewpoints as threats rather than contributions to national discourse. As a leading opposition figure and 2023 presidential candidate, he positioned the low turnout as a "damning verdict" on the administration's approach to pluralism and inclusive politics.
The statement called for urgent reflection and action, urging opposition parties, civil society, and democratic forces nationwide to unite in defense of participatory governance. Atiku emphasized the need to restore public confidence to prevent further decline, warning that unchecked erosion could inflict lasting damage on Nigeria's democratic foundations.
The FCT elections saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secure victories in five of the six area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje—while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won only in Gwagwalada. Despite the APC's dominance, credited by supporters like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to performance and infrastructure gains, opposition voices have highlighted persistent challenges including alleged irregularities, vote-buying claims, and the PDP's decision to pursue legal challenges in some councils.
Observers from groups like Yiaga Africa commended the largely peaceful conduct and use of technology but noted structural issues contributing to low participation, such as disenchantment and mobilization gaps. INEC has described the turnout as reflective of trends in previous FCT local polls, though Atiku's critique frames it within larger national concerns about electoral integrity and political freedom.
Atiku's intervention, widely reported by outlets including Punch, Channels Television, TheCable, Vanguard, Daily Trust, Arise TV, and Legit.ng, has reignited debates on voter apathy, government accountability, and the state of multiparty democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. His remarks underscore ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition, with calls for reforms to enhance inclusivity and restore trust in the process.
As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the low turnout in the FCT—home to diverse populations and symbolic of national aspirations—serves as a focal point for discussions on revitalizing civic engagement and safeguarding democratic norms.
