Democracy Under Threat, Atiku Laments Low Turnout in FCT Polls

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing it as a sign of a democracy under strain.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Atiku blamed the situation on what he called a political climate marked by intolerance, intimidation, and the suppression of opposition voices. He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of shrinking the democratic space and weakening public confidence in the electoral process.

According to him, declining participation is not merely voter apathy but a reflection of growing disillusionment among citizens who feel their votes no longer count. He warned that continued erosion of participatory governance could cause lasting damage to Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku stressed that democracy cannot thrive without vibrant opposition, credible competition, and public trust, cautioning that history may judge the current era harshly if urgent steps are not taken to protect political freedoms.

The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also called on opposition parties to unite in efforts to strengthen democratic values and nation-building.

In the election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada. The ADC failed to win any chairmanship position.