Amanze Chinonye
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over what he described as a “disgracefully low” voter turnout in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, warning that the trend signals deepening democratic decline under President Tinubu, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued Sunday by his media office in Abuja, the former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the average turnout across the six area councils fell below 20 per cent, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council recording what he called a “shocking” 7.8 per cent participation rate.
Atiku described the low civic engagement in the nation’s capital as a “damning verdict” on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that such apathy was not accidental but the outcome of a political climate marked by intolerance and intimidation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to him, the administration led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pursued policies that undermine pluralism and weaken opposition voices.
“When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” Atiku said. “What we are witnessing is not mere voter apathy. It is a direct consequence of an administration that governs with a chokehold on pluralism. Democracy in Nigeria is being suffocated slowly, steadily, and dangerously.”
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The former vice president warned that continued erosion of participatory governance could cause long-term damage to the country’s democratic foundations.
He argued that a democracy lacking vibrant opposition, competitive politics and public trust risks becoming nominal rather than functional. He further cautioned that history could judge the current period as one in which hard-won freedoms were compromised.
Atiku called on opposition parties and other democratic stakeholders to close ranks and form a united front to safeguard the republic.
“This is no longer about party lines; it is about preserving the Republic. The time to stand together to rescue and rebuild Nigeria is now,” he said.
There was no immediate response from the presidency or the APC as of the time of filing this report.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
