Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing it as troubling for Nigeria’s democratic health.
Reacting to the polls in a statement shared by his media aide on X, Atiku said the average turnout — reportedly below 20 per cent, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recording about 7.8 per cent — reflects deepening public disillusionment.
According to him, the weak civic participation in the nation’s capital is symptomatic of broader democratic challenges under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The former presidential candidate alleged that the government of the All Progressives Congress has fostered an atmosphere that discourages opposition and limits political plurality.
He argued that shrinking democratic space, intimidation of dissenting voices, and the marginalisation of alternative viewpoints have eroded public trust in the electoral process.
“When citizens begin to doubt that their votes count, democracy itself is endangered,” Atiku said, warning that what appears as voter apathy may instead reflect frustration and loss of confidence in governance.
He cautioned that continued weakening of participatory governance could inflict lasting damage on Nigeria’s democratic foundations, stressing that vibrant opposition and competitive politics are essential pillars of any functional democracy.
Atiku further called on opposition parties and civil society actors to unite in defence of democratic principles.
“This transcends partisan politics. It is about safeguarding the Republic and ensuring that democracy remains meaningful for all Nigerians,” he said.
