Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
In a statement posted on X by his media aide Paul Ibe, Atiku said average turnout fell below 20 percent.
He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council recorded 7.8 percent participation.
Atiku described the figures as a damning verdict on the state of democracy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that low civic participation in the nation’s capital was not accidental.
He said it was the result of what he called a political climate marked by intolerance, intimidation, and the weakening of opposition voices.
The former presidential candidate alleged that the administration and the All Progressives Congress have pursued policies that restrict democratic space.
He claimed alternative political views are being treated as threats.
Atiku said when citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die.
He warned that what appears to be voter apathy reflects deeper public disillusionment.
He cautioned that continued erosion of participatory governance could cause lasting damage to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He called on opposition parties to unite in defense of the republic.
He said the issue goes beyond party lines and is about preserving the republic.
