CDD Links Peaceful FCT Area Council Elections to Low Voter Turnout

The recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections remained largely peaceful, a development the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) attributes to historically low voter turnout.

CDD Director Dauda Garuba made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday. He noted that while minor issues were recorded, the elections were largely free of violence, largely because fewer voters meant fewer opportunities for conflict.

During the weekend elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secured five Area Councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won Gwagwalada Area Council. Despite the high stakes, Garuba observed notably low participation at polling units.

He cited a polling station in Kuje where only two out of 1,168 registered voters had cast their ballots early in the day. Garuba added, “I saw residents prioritizing their morning activities before eventually arriving to vote later in the day.”

The low turnout, according to CDD, helped maintain order during the polls, preventing clashes and disturbances that have marred previous elections.

The peaceful conduct of the FCT elections has been widely acknowledged, raising