Why Saturday’s FCT Area Council Elections Recorded Low Voter Turnout

Nigeria Daily

Nigeria Daily
Why Saturday’s FCT Area Council Elections Recorded Low Voter Turnout
Feb 23, 2026
Daniel Ariyo Oluwole

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory voted in Saturday’s area council elections, but turnout was low across many polling units.

When results were announced on Sunday by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the ruling All Progressives Congress retained control of most councils, losing only Gwagwalada.

On Nigeria Daily, we examine why many Abuja residents stayed away from the polls and why those who voted still returned the APC despite growing economic pressures.