FCT Minister expresses concern over voter apathy as Abuja records low participation in council polls despite peaceful process.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), , has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded during the FCT Area Council elections, lamenting that in some polling units, only about 10 percent of registered voters came out to cast their ballots.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise in parts of Abuja, the Minister reacted with surprise when briefed by electoral officials on the turnout figures, questioning the low participation level despite the peaceful atmosphere observed across polling centres.
Wike, however, commended security agencies and election officials for ensuring a smooth and orderly process, noting that there were no major incidents reported in the areas he visited. He described the elections as largely peaceful but acknowledged that voter apathy remains a significant challenge in local government polls within the nation’s capital.
The FCT Area Council elections, which determine leadership across AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji Area Councils, are considered crucial for grassroots governance. However, turnout in council elections has historically been lower compared to presidential and National Assembly elections in Abuja.
Political observers attribute the low participation to factors such as limited voter awareness, reduced public interest in local government administration, and pre-election movement restrictions. As stakeholders assess the outcome of the polls, attention is expected to shift toward strategies for increasing voter engagement and strengthening democratic participation in future FCT elections.
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