Atiku Slams Tinubu as FCT Poll Turnout Falls Below 20%

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing the situation as a sign that Nigeria’s democracy is under strain.

In a statement posted on X by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the turnout — which averaged below 20 per cent across the six area councils — reflects what he called growing public disillusionment with the democratic process under the current administration. According to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recorded just 7.8 per cent voter participation, one of the lowest figures in recent FCT elections. The polls were conducted across AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada and Kwali. Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the turnout as a “damning verdict” on the health of the nation’s democracy, alleging that shrinking civic space and economic hardship have discouraged citizens from participating in elections. When citizens lose faith in the ballot, democracy begins to suffer,” he stated, urging opposition parties and civil society groups to unite in defence of democratic values. Despite the low turnout, INEC declared the elections valid, noting that the exercise was largely peaceful. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six area councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada.