‘It’s a great shame’ – Ireti Kingibe laments voter apathy at FCT council polls

Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has expressed disappointment over the low turnout recorded during Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.

Speaking with journalists after casting her ballot in Maitama, Abuja, the lawmaker decried what she described as widespread voter apathy among residents.

“There is extreme voter apathy. Nobody is turning out to vote. It is a great shame. I am extremely disappointed. I expected them to take this seriously, especially considering that substantial revenue and funds are usually allocated to local government chairmen to carry out their responsibilities,” she said.

Kingibe noted that the election offered residents an opportunity to elect leaders at the grassroots level, stressing that active participation could help address frequent complaints about harassment by local government officials.

“In some places, voters are intimidated, while in others they are not. People complain about being harassed by local government officials, but they must do more than complain. Remember, the will of the people prevails. If the people want the ruling party, they will get the ruling party; and if they want a different party, they will get a different party,” she added.

The senator, however, commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the exercise in her area, noting that the commission could not be blamed for the low turnout despite earlier reports of non-availability of election materials.