The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected criticism over low voter participation in the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils elections, with a top official stating that mobilising voters is the primary responsibility of political parties.
National Commissioner Muhammed Haruna expressed surprise that INEC was being singled out for blame following the polls in Nigeria’s capital. He clarified the commission’s constitutional mandate during an interview on Trust TV, stressing that its core function is civic and voter education, not voter mobilisation.
“While voter turnout is a critical concern, attributing blame solely to INEC is misdirected,” Haruna said. “INEC’s primary role is civic education, informing citizens on how to vote. I’m surprised that INEC is blamed for low turnout. Although we encourage participation, the responsibility for mobilising voters ultimately rests with political parties.”
Haruna underscored that political parties possess extensive grassroots structures and large memberships, making them best positioned to rally support. He noted that INEC’s statutory role prohibits it from endorsing candidates or engaging in partisan mobilisation. However, he affirmed the commission’s commitment to its duties, citing “comprehensive efforts” undertaken before the FCT election, including voter awareness campaigns.
The FCT Area Councils elections, held to elect local government chairmen and councillors, recorded reportedly low turnout across Abuja. This pattern of apathy is a recurring challenge in many Nigerian off-cycle and local elections, often linked to voter fatigue, logistical constraints, and limited competitive engagement.
INEC’s statement highlights the ongoing debate about shared responsibilities in Nigeria’s electoral process. While the commission manages logistics, security coordination, and result transmission, the onus of energising the electorate falls heavily on parties and candidates.
The commission’s pushback suggests a strategic effort to define its scope of work as it plans for future elections, including the 2027 general polls. Analysts note that improving turnout requires coordinated action from all electoral stakeholders—INEC, parties, civil society, and the media—to foster sustained public engagement.
Ultimately, INEC’s rebuttal frames voter mobilisation as a collective duty, signalling that addressing electoral apathy will depend on partnership rather than placing blame on a single institution.
