Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded during Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.
Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, described the turnout — reported to average below 20 per cent — as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy.
He particularly referenced the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where turnout was said to be about 7.8 per cent.
In a statement shared by his media aide, Atiku argued that the low participation reflects a deeper crisis in democratic confidence.
He claimed the political climate under President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress has weakened opposition voices.
According to him, citizens are losing faith in the electoral process.
“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” Atiku said.
He warned that what appears to be voter apathy may instead be a sign of growing disillusionment.
The former presidential candidate accused the administration of shrinking democratic space.
He alleged that dissenting voices are being sidelined.
Atiku cautioned that the erosion of participatory governance could damage Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He described the situation as a gradual “suffocation” of pluralism.
The former vice president called on opposition parties and democratic stakeholders to unite.
He urged them to form a common front to defend democratic principles.
According to him, the challenge transcends party rivalry.
He said preserving the Republic should be the priority.
The FCT Area Council elections were held on February 21, 2026.
The polls covered six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions across the Federal Capital Territory.
Observers noted generally peaceful voting but low turnout in several polling units.
