Politics
Atiku Raises Alarm Over Low FCT Voter Turnout, Says Democracy ‘Being Suffocated’
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing it as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Atiku said turnout averaged below 20 per cent across the FCT, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council recording just 7.8 per cent participation.
The former vice president, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), described the figures as a “damning verdict” on the state of democracy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the low turnout reflects a political climate marked by intolerance, intimidation, and the weakening of opposition voices.
“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” Atiku said, warning that Nigeria’s democratic space is being “slowly, steadily, and dangerously” eroded.
He cautioned that continued decline in public confidence and political competition could inflict lasting damage on the country’s democratic foundations.
Atiku also called on opposition parties and democratic stakeholders to unite, saying the moment demands collective action to “preserve the Republic.”
Even in defeat, Dr Paul Moses, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship, has called for unity and continued commitment to public service. Following Saturday’s election, Dr Paul formally accepted the results while reaffirming his dedication to the people of AMAC.
In a statement released after the results were announced, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, campaign team, and residents who believed in his vision for the council.
“I accept the outcome of the election. Democracy demands respect for the will of the people, and I remain committed to the principles of peace, progress, and service,” he said.
Despite the setback, Dr. Paul stressed that the election does not mark the end of his efforts in public service. “This is not the end of the journey. Our movement for accountable leadership, inclusive governance, and sustainable development in AMAC remains strong. We will continue to engage, organize, and work towards a better future for our people,” he added.
He urged his supporters to stay calm, focused, and united, assuring them that the ideals championed during the campaign would continue to guide his advocacy and engagement in the community.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has described the outcome of the weekend elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Rivers States as a strong endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the party’s performance; particularly in the nation’s capital, demonstrates growing public confidence in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He congratulated APC supporters for what he called the peaceful and credible conduct of the February 21, 2026 polls, noting that the victories recorded by the party reflect its resilience, unity and grassroots strength.
According to him, the results of the FCT Area Council elections carry significant national implications.
“The Abuja outcome is a clear signal that Nigerians from diverse backgrounds stand firmly behind President Tinubu’s bold reforms. As residents of the nation’s capital, their decision sends a strong message of confidence in the administration’s commitment to repositioning the country for sustainable growth and prosperity,” he stated.
Yilwatda congratulated the APC chairmanship candidates who secured victories in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kuje, Abaji, Bwari and Kwali, saying the wins underscore the party’s connection with the people at the grassroots.
He also acknowledged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who won in Gwagwalada, describing the result as evidence that democracy and the will of the electorate were upheld.
The APC chairman further celebrated the party’s four State House of Assembly candidates who emerged victorious in Kano and Rivers States, attributing their success to effective party organisation and public trust in APC leadership.
He commended party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the affected states for their discipline and peaceful participation in the electoral process. Yilwatda also praised security agencies and election officials for their professionalism.
“As we celebrate, we must remain united and focused on delivering good governance. Nigerians are demanding accountability, tangible results, and sustained reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The APC remains committed to meeting those expectations,” the statement concluded.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Ungogo and Kano Municipal State Assembly by-elections conducted on Saturday in Kano.
In Kano Municipal Constituency, the APC candidate, Aliyu Nabil Daneji, secured 7,484 votes to win the seat and will represent the constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly.
The Returning Officer, Professor Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, announced the results and declared Daneji duly elected.
Similarly, in Ungogo Constituency, the APC candidate, Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad, polled 8,975 votes to clinch victory in the by-election.
Professor Ali Tijjani Abdullahi, the Returning Officer for Ungogo Constituency, declared Sa’ad winner and returned him elected.
Both winners are sons of the deceased lawmakers who previously represented the respective constituencies.