Voter Apathy, Wike Intrusion Rock FCT, Rivers, Kano Polls – CISLAC,TMG Rip INEC

By Linda Ike

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have sounded the alarm on the recent Area Council and bye-elections in FCT, Rivers, and Kano, citing rampant voter apathy, logistical chaos, alleged interference by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and barriers for persons with disabilities as major threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a joint statement by CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, and TMG, the groups noted polls were mostly peaceful but riddled with issues eroding public trust. “When citizens stop voting, it’s no longer an election but a selection,” they warned, urging urgent fixes ahead of national polls.

They further noted that Turnout plunged, with some FCT units seeing just 10 voters all day. TAF Africa and disability groups reported glaring gaps, rural Kwali and Abaji units inaccessible to wheelchairs, missing Braille aids and magnifiers in over 60% of spots despite INEC promises. Women faced suppression through economic intimidation in dense areas, widening gender gaps.

AMAC polls kicked off late due to delayed materials and staff. TMG flagged vote-buying, confusing polling relocations causing disenfranchisement, and a pre-poll curfew stifling turnout. In Rivers, heavy security sieges scared off women voters.

The groups accused Wike of unauthorized appearances at FCT units, calling it inappropriate since he’s not a local voter. They urged President Bola Tinubu to rein in officials, warning it risks domestic and global faith in elections.

They also noted that major parties vanished from Kano bye-election ballots without explanation deemed suspicious by observers. Rivers saw similar exclusions. Kano’s results drew fire for zero women in new council leadership, defying 35% affirmative action goals.

INEC’s IReV portal crashed during result collation, amplifying doubts. CISLAC and TMG demanded impartial security at centers, early material drops, and audits for future polls.

The groups recommitted to reforms for accountable democracy.