FCT polls: Democracy under siege, Tinubu govt suffocating Nigeria — Atiku
Politics FCT polls: Democracy under siege, Tinubu govt suffocating Nigeria — Atiku Published on February 23, 2026 By Matthew Atungwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has bemoaned the outcome of the FCT Area Council election, raising alarm over the low voter turnout recorded in the Saturday’s polls. In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Sunday, Atiku described the turnout as a damning verdict on the state of Nigeria’s democracy under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said such poor civic participation in the nation’s capital is not accidental but the result of a political environment poisoned by intolerance, intimidation, and the systematic weakening of opposition voices. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); He alleged that the Bola Tinubu-led government is shrinking the democratic space, harassing dissenters, and fostering a climate where alternative political views are treated as threats. “When citizens lose faith that their votes matter, democracy begins to die. This is not mere voter apathy. Democracy in Nigeria is being suffocated—slowly and dangerously,” he said. The Adamawa-born politician cautioned that continued erosion of participatory governance could cause lasting damage to the country’s democratic foundations and called on opposition parties to unite. Don't Miss APC to hold ward, LGA congresses in Abia Wednesday after suspension of exercise You may like City Boys Movement: Tinubu harvests socialites, entertainers ahead of 2027 Outcome of FCT, Rivers elections reflects growing support for Tinubu – Wike By-election results show Nigerians’ confidence in Tinubu – Lagos APC FCT council elections: Wike hails Tinubu, says Nigerians now know ruling, real opposition party FCT polls: Nigerians have spoken for themselves – Keyamo FCT polls: Emefiele decries low voter turnout