The Chief Executive Officer of ATAF Africa, Jake Ekpele, has attributed the low voter turnout in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, elections largely to the conduct and rhetoric of politicians, rather than the electoral body.
Speaking during election monitoring in Area 2, Garki, Abuja, Ekpele commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for what he described as an impressive deployment of personnel and logistics, as well as strong security arrangements.
“Deployment in general has been fantastic. Your security operatives have been excellent,” he said.
He added that INEC remains one of the most inclusive institutions, particularly for its commitment to gender equality.
Ekpele, however, expressed concern over the visible voter apathy at several polling units, noting that many centres were largely deserted.
According to him, the growing distrust among citizens is being fuelled by what he termed “careless statements by politicians,” which he said heighten public fear and discourage participation.
“The rhetoric of politicians fuels voter apathy because it stokes fears. Once the people are afraid, they won’t come out. Polling units are empty,” Ekpele stated.
While acknowledging a broader trust deficit following previous electoral cycles, he stressed that restoring public confidence in the voting process is a collective responsibility.
He urged political actors to conduct themselves in ways that strengthen, rather than undermine, public faith in elections, insisting that INEC should not be blamed for voter apathy beyond its institutional mandate.
