Atiku Warns Democracy is Under Siege Amid Low FCT Voter Turnout, Blames Tinubu Administration

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a dangerous decline in Nigeria’s democratic health, following Saturday’s low voter turnout in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

Posting on his verified X handle on Sunday, Atiku characterized the poor turnout as a “damning verdict” on Nigeria’s democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The Adamawa-born politician argued that declining civic participation in the nation’s capital is no accident. Instead, he attributed it to a political climate marked by intolerance, intimidation, and the systematic weakening of opposition voices.

“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,” Atiku said.

Atiku further alleged that the Tinubu-led administration has been shrinking democratic space, harassing dissenters, and treating alternative political views as threats. He warned that continued erosion of participatory governance could cause long-term damage to the country’s democratic foundations.

The former Vice President urged opposition parties to unite in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that Nigerians’ voices are heard at the ballot box.