The recently concluded Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s democratic integrity, with the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) describing the process as a “disturbing setback” for grassroots governance.
According to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) won chairmanship seats in Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji, and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed victory in Gwagwalada.
However, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED’s observations indicate that the elections were marred by low voter turnout, irregularities, and widespread apathy. Out of 1,682,315 registered voters, only 239,210 cast ballots, representing a turnout of just 14.24%. AMAC, with 837,338 registered voters, recorded only 65,676 votes, amounting to 7.8% participation.
Zikirullahi noted, “People are fed up with unpopular policies of this government. The widespread apathy reflects a growing belief that elections are predetermined, skewed in favour of those in power, and incapable of producing genuine representation. This perception is corrosive to democracy and must not be ignored.”
He highlighted several shortcomings during the elections, including rampant vote buying, late delivery of election materials, poor logistics, weak voter education, intimidation at polling units, and lax enforcement of electoral guidelines.
While the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made arrests and recovered cash from some suspects, the Executive Director said these efforts were insufficient to address the entrenched problem of vote trading.
He called for comprehensive electoral reforms, including the introduction of mandatory minimum voter turnout thresholds before election results are declared valid. Citing international examples, the group noted that Romania requires a 30% turnout for national referenda, Poland 50%, and India sustains 60–70% participation through civic education and institutional trust.
Other recommendations include full implementation of Justice Uwais Electoral Reform proposals, deployment of real-time electoral surveillance technology, digital tracking of campaign finances, stronger legislation against vote buying, and swift prosecution of offenders.
The statement further urged INEC to improve logistics, transparency, and voter education, while calling on the National Assembly to introduce minimum turnout laws and enforce stricter sanctions against malpractice. The Federal Government must guarantee INEC’s independence and fund technology-driven reforms.
He also encouraged political parties to promote issue-based campaigns and end monetization of elections, while civil society and media should intensify voter education and accountability initiatives. Citizens are also called upon to reclaim democratic ownership by actively participating.
“Democracy thrives on participation, legitimacy, and trust. Elections decided by a small minority cannot produce leaders who truly represent the will of the people,” Zikirullahi said, warning that failure to reform risks normalizing minority rule under the guise of democracy.