The Digest:
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed dismay over the low voter turnout in Saturday's Area Council elections, reacting with surprise after officials reported only 10 percent participation at a Karshi polling unit. During a tour of polling stations, Wike encountered electoral officials with no voters present. When he asked about turnout, an NYSC ad-hoc official responded: "We have only about 10 percent of registered voters who came out to vote." Wike asked incredulously, "Only 10 percent?" and expressed hope that "there will be another 20 percent." The minister's lament follows widespread reports of voter apathy across the FCT's six area councils, with empty polling units and INEC officials caught sleeping at their posts. ADC candidate Moses Paul earlier blamed the low turnout on Wike's movement restriction, describing it as "like a state of emergency."
Key Points:
- The 10 percent figure confirms severe voter apathy in the FCT elections.
- Wike's surprise suggests a gap between his expectations and ground reality.
- Voters disengaged, while election infrastructure operated at minimal capacity.
- This signals the failure of mobilisation efforts and voter interest.
- The timing, with officials idle, reflects wasted democratic opportunity.
Sources: Daily Trust, FCT Ministry
