Voter participation in Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded a modest improvement, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing a turnout of approximately 15 per cent.
The figure represents over 239,210 voters out of the 1,680,315 registered electorate a notable rise from the 9.4 per cent turnout recorded during the 2022 polls.
INEC said results from five of the six Area Councils were declared on Saturday night, while that of Kuje was delayed until 3:30 pm on Sunday due to difficult terrain in Kabi ward, which slowed final collation.
In a statement signed by Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, the commission dismissed claims that voters were migrated to unfamiliar polling units.
According to INEC, what occurred was the creation of split polling units in locations with over 1,250 registered voters to ease congestion. The new units, it said, were situated within meters of the original polling points and within the same premises.
The commission disclosed that 45 per cent of polling units had opened by 8:30 am on election day, with full nationwide opening achieved by 10:00 am.
INEC also reported that as of 2:00 pm Sunday, 93 per cent of polling unit results had been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV), allowing public access to results across the six Area Councils.
While acknowledging ongoing voter apathy, the commission described the improved participation as evidence of “citizens’ continued trust in building democracy.”
However, civil society observers painted a more cautious picture.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) commended the largely peaceful conduct of the exercise but expressed concerns over low civic engagement and logistical shortcomings.
In a statement by CISLAC Executive Director and TMG Chairman, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the groups cited delays in the deployment of materials and personnel, particularly in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
They also highlighted accessibility challenges for persons with disabilities in rural councils such as Kwali and Abaji, describing some polling units as difficult to reach.
Additionally, the groups reported incidents of vote buying, confusion over relocated polling units, and alleged disruptions to the IReV portal during collation.
They urged INEC to strengthen transparency, improve logistics, and enhance inclusiveness in future elections.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 20 suspects across the FCT over alleged electoral offences, including vote buying and obstruction of officials.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, a total of N17,218,700 was recovered from the suspects. One individual was apprehended with N13.5 million in a vehicle parked near a polling unit in Kwali.
Arrests were made in Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. The commission said the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the turnout figures, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the participation rate particularly AMAC’s reported 7.8 per cent as alarming.
He argued that dwindling civic engagement reflects declining public confidence in the democratic process under the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku alleged that shrinking political space, intimidation of dissenting voices, and weakened opposition structures were discouraging participation.
“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” he said, warning that continued erosion of participatory governance could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
He called on opposition forces nationwide to unite in defense of democratic principles.
Despite improved turnout compared to 2022, the FCT elections once again spotlighted the persistent challenges of voter apathy, logistical efficiency, electoral integrity, and public trust in Nigeria’s evolving democratic system.