Abuja, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, Ezenwa Nwangwu, has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Monday, Nwangwu described the participation rate as troubling despite reports that the elections were largely peaceful.
Peaceful Polls, But Sparse Participation
The elections, held across the six area councils of the FCT, saw the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) win five councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Observers reported minimal disruptions during the voting process. However, turnout figures from several polling units reflected a noticeable absence of voters, particularly in cosmopolitan districts.
“Observers agree the elections were peaceful in FCT’s six area councils. However, voter turnout was low, especially in cosmopolitan areas where people work in the city but live in suburbs,” Nwangwu said.
Curfew and Civic Responsibility
According to him, the curfew in parts of the territory may have contributed to the low participation, preventing some registered voters from casting their ballots.
He urged citizens to recognise voting as a fundamental civic duty.
“Many registered voters couldn’t vote due to the curfew. Citizens must engage in civic responsibility by voting. Not voting is actually voting for something else,” he added.
The low turnout has reignited conversations about voter apathy, urban participation gaps, and the broader health of grassroots democracy in Nigeria’s capital.
