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.”