The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over what it described as a democratic crisis following the just-concluded Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the group said the low voter turnout recorded during the elections shows a growing loss of public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), out of 1,682,315 registered voters in the FCT, only 239,210 people cast their ballots. This represents just 14.24 per cent participation.

CHRICED described the development as alarming.

“This means that a very small number of voters determined the leadership for millions of residents,” it said.

“Such a situation represents a serious democratic deficit and a dangerous erosion of public confidence.”

It noted that voters turnout in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) was even lower.

“Out of 837,338 registered voters, only 65,676 votes were recorded about 7.8 per cent.

While INEC declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners in Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji and AMAC, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner in Gwagwalada, CHRICED said the outcome goes beyond party victories.

According to the group, the low participation reflects voter apathy and frustration.

“People are fed up with unpopular policies of this government,” CHRICED stated.

CHRICED added that many citizens believe elections are skewed in favour of those in power and do not truly reflect the will of the people.

The organisation warned that such perceptions, if not addressed, could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

CHRICED also alleged that the elections were affected by several irregularities, including vote buying, late arrival of materials, poor logistics, weak voter education, and intimidation at polling units.

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly made arrests related to vote trading, the group said the efforts were not enough to stop the widespread practice.

“Vote buying is becoming normalised, turning elections into transactional exercises instead of civic responsibilities,” the statement said.

CHRICED called for immediate electoral reforms.

It recommended the introduction of a minimum voter turnout requirement before election results can be declared valid.

Recall that on Saturday, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections were held, with residents across the six councils casting their votes to elect local government chairpersons.