By Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in the ongoing Area Council elections across the FCT.
Wike, who toured several polling units, interacted with electoral officials to assess the level of participation. At a polling unit in Karshi, the minister met electoral officials present but observed the absence of voters.
After exchanging pleasantries, Wike inquired about the turnout. Responding, an ad-hoc official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who is also a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said only about 10 percent of registered voters had come out to vote.
Reacting, Wike asked, “Only 10 percent? When are you supposed to start counting?”
“By 2:30 p.m., sir,” the corps member replied.
The minister responded, “Hopefully, there will be another 20 percent.”
Earlier, Dr. Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), attributed the low turnout to movement restrictions imposed during the election.
He noted that voter participation was significantly below expectations, blaming what he described as confusion caused by the restriction directive.
According to him, having lived in AMAC for about 40 years, he had never witnessed such a situation, adding that the development appeared like “a state of emergency” over what he considered an unnecessary measure.
