FCT Polls: Atiku Blames Tinubu For Low Voter Turnout

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing it as a worrying sign for the country’s democracy.

In a statement issued by the Atiku Media Office on Sunday in Abuja, the former vice president said voter participation averaged below 20 per cent across the councils, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recording 7.8 per cent turnout.

He described the development as a “damning verdict” on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly in the nation’s capital.

According to him, the low turnout was not accidental but a reflection of what he termed a shrinking democratic space under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Atiku alleged that the government had fostered an atmosphere of intolerance and intimidation, weakening opposition voices and discouraging citizen participation in the electoral process.

“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” he said.

He further warned that continued erosion of public confidence in the political system could undermine participatory governance and weaken the country’s democratic institutions.

The former vice president called on opposition parties and other democratic stakeholders to close ranks and work together to safeguard democratic values.

“This is no longer about party lines; it is about preserving the Republic. The time to stand together to rescue and rebuild Nigeria is now,” he stated.

Saturday’s elections were conducted across the six area councils of the FCT amid reports of low voter turnout in several polling units.