ABUJA, Nigeria — The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education has expressed deep concern over what it described as a “democratic crisis” following the recently concluded Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation highlighted the alarmingly low voter turnout as a growing threat to public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. Out of 1,682,315 registered voters in the FCT, only 239,210 cast ballots — just 14.24% participation.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recorded the lowest turnout, with only 7.8% of registered voters participating. While the All Progressives Congress won in Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji, and AMAC, and the Peoples Democratic Party won in Gwagwalada, CHRICED said the election results go beyond party victories.
The group warned that low participation reflects voter apathy, frustration, and perceptions of skewed elections, with reported irregularities including vote buying, poor logistics, intimidation, and late arrival of materials. Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission made arrests linked to vote trading, CHRICED said these efforts were insufficient to curb the problem.
CHRICED called for urgent electoral reforms, including introducing a minimum voter turnout threshold before declaring election results valid, to restore public confidence in the democratic process.
