(DDM) – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that Nigeria’s democracy is under siege, blaming what he described as President Bola Tinubu’s chokehold on the system for the low voter turnout in the Federal Capital Territory council polls.
Atiku characterised the situation as a troubling sign for the country’s democratic health, warning that growing public disengagement reflects deep dissatisfaction under the current administration.
The former presidential candidate said the reported voter apathy in the FCT elections should alarm anyone concerned about the survival of participatory governance.
According to him, democracy thrives only when citizens believe their votes matter and that institutions remain neutral and transparent.
He argued that when political space appears restricted or skewed in favour of those in power, ordinary citizens gradually withdraw from the process.
Atiku maintained that the credibility of elections depends not only on ballot counting but also on the overall political climate preceding the vote.
He suggested that fear, distrust, and perceived dominance by the ruling party could discourage civic participation.
The Federal Capital Territory, administered directly by the federal government, has often been viewed as a barometer of political mood at the national level.
Observers noted that turnout in recent area council elections was lower than expected, raising concerns among analysts and civil society groups.
Atiku said such trends must not be ignored, insisting that democracy requires constant nurturing and institutional independence.
He warned that when opposition voices feel constrained, the democratic ecosystem weakens.
The former vice president also linked voter disengagement to economic hardship and public frustration.
He argued that rising living costs and unemployment have left many Nigerians disillusioned with political promises.
Political analysts say voter apathy has been a recurring issue in several Nigerian elections over the past decade.
However, Atiku contended that the current level of indifference signals a deeper structural problem.
He called for reforms that would strengthen electoral institutions and rebuild public trust.
He further urged stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, to safeguard transparency and fairness.
While supporters of the administration reject the allegations, insisting that the electoral process remains open and competitive, Atiku maintains that perception plays a crucial role in democracy.
He emphasized that leadership must inspire confidence rather than fear or resignation.
As debates continue over the causes of voter apathy in the FCT, Atiku’s remarks have intensified political discourse nationwide.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures ahead of future electoral contests.
For many Nigerians, the central question remains whether reforms and inclusive governance can reverse declining participation and restore faith in democratic institutions.
