Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has voiced strong concern over the low voter turnout recorded during Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing it as a troubling signal for Nigeria’s democratic health.

Reacting to the exercise, Atiku noted that turnout averaged below 20 percent across the councils, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council recording just 7.8 percent participation. He characterised the figures as a “damning verdict” on the state of democracy under the current administration.

According to the former vice president, weak civic engagement in the nation’s capital is not accidental but reflective of a broader political climate he described as restrictive.

He alleged that the democratic space has been constricted, dissenting voices targeted, and opposition actors weakened.

In a pointed critique of the government led by Bola Tinubu, Atiku argued that intolerance and intimidation have fostered disillusionment among voters. He warned that when citizens begin to doubt the value of their votes, the foundations of democracy are undermined.

“This is not mere voter apathy,” he stated. “Democracy in Nigeria is being suffocated, slowly and dangerously.”

Atiku further cautioned that declining participation in elections, particularly in the FCT — the symbolic heart of Nigeria’s governance — could have long-term consequences for the country’s democratic stability. He urged opposition parties to set aside internal divisions and form a united front, framing the issue as one that transcends partisan politics.

“This is no longer about party lines; it is about preserving the Republic,” he said, calling for collective action to safeguard and rebuild Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The remarks add to growing national conversations around voter engagement, political trust, and the overall direction of democratic governance in Africa’s most populous nation.