The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have raised fresh concerns over voter apathy, logistical lapses and alleged political interference in elections conducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers and Kano states.
In a statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC and Chairman of TMG, the groups described the polls as largely peaceful across most units but marred by significant operational and credibility challenges.
They warned that declining voter turnout signals a growing erosion of public trust in the electoral process, stressing that when citizens disengage, “it is no longer an election but a selection” — a development they said poses risks to democratic governance.
Low turnout, accessibility barriers
According to the groups, many polling units recorded poor participation, with some locations witnessing fewer than 10 voters throughout the day.
Observers from TAF Africa and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities also reported limited access for persons with disabilities, despite assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In rural FCT councils such as Kwali and Abaji, polling units were said to be inaccessible to wheelchair users. The observers noted that assistive materials, including magnifying glasses and Braille guides, were missing in over 60 per cent of the units monitored.
Delays, alleged suppression
The groups cited late deployment of personnel and materials, particularly in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, which delayed voting in several units.
They further alleged instances of voter suppression targeting women in high-density communities, claiming that economic intimidation tactics were deployed to discourage participation.
CISLAC and TMG urged INEC to treat the lapses as an early warning ahead of future elections, calling for improved logistics and timely commencement of voting.
Allegations of Political InterferenceThe groups accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of allegedly interfering in the Area Council elections by appearing at multiple polling units in Abuja.
They described the development as inappropriate, noting that the minister is neither a registered voter in the FCT nor constitutionally assigned a role in election management.
CISLAC and TMG also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that public officials adhere strictly to electoral laws to preserve public and international confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
The groups further faulted the pre-election curfew, arguing that it may have dampened voter participation.
Vote buying, security, party exclusion
Observers reported confusion arising from the relocation of some polling units without adequate communication, as well as incidents of vote buying in certain areas.
In Rivers State, the groups alleged heavy security presence around local government areas, describing it as a “siege” that may have discouraged participation, particularly among women.
They also expressed concern over the absence of major political parties from bye-election ballots in Kano and Rivers states, urging INEC to clarify the circumstances to avoid perceptions of deliberate exclusion.
In Kano, civil society actors criticised the outcome of the polls for producing no female leaders at the local government level, describing it as a setback to the 35 per cent affirmative action target.
IReV disruptions
CISLAC and TMG flagged reported disruptions to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) during collation, calling for transparency and professionalism in the declaration of results.
They urged security agencies to maintain strict neutrality, particularly at collation centres, and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing electoral reforms and democratic accountability nationwide.
