The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has expressed concern over the persistent low voter turnout in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly within residential estates and urban communities where electoral apathy remains widespread.
In a statement signed by Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD-West Africa, and Professor Victor Adetula, Chair of the Election Analysis Centre, the organisation warned that the growing disconnect between citizens and the democratic process weakens accountability and undermines inclusive governance.
According to the Centre, elections go beyond moments of political choice and serve as critical opportunities for citizens to shape governance, influence policy direction, and ensure public institutions serve the people’s interests. It noted that when citizens disengage from the electoral process, they inadvertently surrender their power and risk accepting poor service delivery, inadequate infrastructure, and unresponsive leadership.
The statement emphasised that government’s mandate includes guaranteeing security, providing quality education and healthcare, expanding access to clean water, sanitation and electricity, and promoting equitable development. However, it stressed that these responsibilities can only be fully realised when citizens actively participate by voting, demanding accountability, and ensuring campaign promises translate into tangible policies and services.
CDD-West Africa warned that low participation in elections deprives FCT residents of the opportunity to influence decisions affecting daily life, including waste management, public safety, job creation, transportation and urban planning. It added that civic disengagement creates room for inefficiency and corruption, further eroding trust in democratic institutions.
The organisation described the 21 February 2026 Area Council elections as a crucial democratic moment for all eligible voters in the FCT, including civil servants, estate residents, entrepreneurs, students and families. It stressed that the polls are not a peripheral exercise but a vital process that will determine how communities are governed and how public resources are allocated.
Calling on Abuja to lead by example as the nation’s capital, CDD-West Africa urged residents to treat the elections as a civic duty and an opportunity to demand transparent, inclusive and responsive governance.
The organisation also appealed to stakeholders, including community leaders, traditional rulers, media organisations, civil society groups and the Independent National Electoral Commission, to intensify voter education and civic mobilisation efforts across the FCT.
“The credibility of democracy lies not only in institutions but in participation,” the statement read, urging residents to transform apathy into action and actively shape a government that serves the people.