…Says Recent Electoral law Killed Public Trust in elections
By Danladi Ahmed
Omoyele Sowore, Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), on election day visited several polling units across Kabusa, Asokoro, and Lugbe in the Federal Capital Territory to monitor the progress of voting.
Speaking with journalists during the visits, Sowore described voter participation as “abysmal,” noting that turnout across the areas visited was significantly lower than expected.
He attributed the low participation to declining public confidence in the electoral process, arguing that the refusal to strengthen transparency initiatives has discouraged many Nigerians from engaging in elections.
Sowore specifically referenced recent amendments to the Electoral Act, stating that the removal or weakening of provisions mandating electronic transmission of results has eroded trust in the system.
“When transparency mechanisms are diluted, people step away. Nigerians want to know that their votes count and that results cannot be manipulated,” he said.
Following the visits to Kabusa, Asokoro, and Lugbe, Sowore proceeded toward Orozo, where the AAC is presenting a councillorship candidate. However, access to the area was reportedly obstructed by personnel of the Nigerian Army, who had mounted a blockade that caused heavy traffic gridlock, making it impossible for him to reach the community.
The development further complicated election-day activities in the area.