The Digest:
Some ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were caught sleeping at their duty posts during Saturday's FCT area council elections, due to extremely low voter turnout. In many polling units across the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), particularly in Area 2 and Area 3, there were no voters in sight. Videos obtained by correspondents showed election officials with little or nothing to do, yet required to remain at their posts until voting closes at 2:30 pm. The low turnout has been attributed to voter apathy, movement restrictions imposed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and confusion over the election logistics. Despite the absence of voters, officials must maintain a presence at polling units throughout the designated voting period.
Key Points:
- The sleeping officials symbolise the disconnect between electoral preparations and citizen participation.
- Low turnout undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process.
- Voters disengage, while election resources are deployed with minimal impact.
- This signals deepening voter apathy and disillusionment with the political system.
- The timing, with officials idle, reflects wasted resources and effort.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, INEC
