NGOs Concerned Over Voter Apathy, Absence of Major Parties in Kano, Rivers Elections
By Abdullahi Alhassan KD_
Civil society organisations have raised alarm over voter apathy, logistical lapses and the absence of major political parties in recent elections conducted in Kano, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) expressed the concerns in a joint statement issued after monitoring the polls across the affected states.
The statement, signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of TMG, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, described the elections as largely peaceful in many polling units but marred by significant operational and credibility challenges.
The groups warned that Nigerians are gradually losing confidence in the electoral process, citing low voter turnout in several polling units. In some areas, observers reported that fewer than 10 voters cast their ballots throughout the day.
According to the organisations, when citizens fail to participate in elections, democratic governance is weakened. They cautioned that persistent voter apathy poses a serious threat to public trust and political accountability.
On accessibility, monitoring teams from TAF Africa reported that persons with disabilities faced major barriers despite prior assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In rural FCT councils such as Kwali and Abaji, several polling units were said to be inaccessible to wheelchair users, while assistive materials like magnifying glasses and Braille guides were reportedly absent in more than 60 per cent of the locations observed.
The groups also highlighted logistical shortcomings, particularly in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, where late arrival of electoral officials and materials delayed the commencement of voting in multiple polling units.
They further alleged incidents of voter suppression, especially targeting women in densely populated communities. Observers claimed that economic pressure was used in some areas to discourage women from joining voting queues, widening the gender participation gap.
CISLAC and TMG criticised the curfew imposed before the polls, arguing that it may have contributed to low turnout. They also expressed concern over the relocation of some polling units without adequate public communication, a development they said may have led to voter confusion and disenfranchisement. Cases of vote buying were also reported in certain areas.
In Rivers State, the organisations alleged heavy militarisation of some local government areas, describing it as a “security siege” that may have discouraged participation, particularly among women who traditionally vote early.
A major concern raised by the groups was the absence of key political parties from the ballot in bye-elections conducted in Kano and Rivers states. They described the situation as suspicious and unusual, especially in Kano where major opposition parties are typically active participants.
The groups urged INEC to provide a clear public explanation to dispel perceptions of deliberate exclusion.
They called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that all public officials strictly comply with electoral laws and refrain from conduct capable of eroding the credibility of elections.
The groups also flagged disruptions to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during the collation process and urged electoral officials to uphold the highest standards of transparency and professionalism.
Reaffirming their commitment to electoral reforms, CISLAC and TMG called for urgent steps to address logistical gaps, improve inclusion for persons with disabilities, ensure equal participation of women, and restore public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.