FCT polls: I’m surprised INEC is blamed for low turnout – National Commissioner, Haruna
Politics FCT polls: I’m surprised INEC is blamed for low turnout – National Commissioner, Haruna Published on February 23, 2026 By Matthew Atungwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Muhammed Haruna, has expressed surprise that the Commission is being blamed for the low voter turnout in the recently concluded FCT Area Councils polls. Haruna made the remark on Monday while fielding questions in an interview on Trust TV. He was reacting to the FCT Area Council election, which witnessed low voter turnout across the nation’s capital. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); He said, “While voter turnout is a critical concern, attributing blame solely to INEC is misdirected. 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 mobilizing voters ultimately rests with political parties. “These parties possess extensive memberships, often numbering in the hundreds of thousands or even millions. Our mandate prohibits us from endorsing specific candidates or parties. “We are, however, committed to our part in encouraging turnout, as exemplified by the recent election, where we undertook comprehensive efforts.” Don't Miss Electoral Act: There will always be glitches – INEC official Haruna You may like Electoral Act: There will always be glitches – INEC official Haruna FCT polls: I’m surprised INEC is blamed for low turnout – National Commissioner, Haruna FCT polls: Many things went wrong – PDP spokesman, Ememobong FCT polls: Lots of result sheets were tampered with – ActionAid FCT polls: Democracy under siege, Tinubu govt suffocating Nigeria — Atiku Electoral Act: NASS lists dedicated fund for INEC, e-transmission of results, others as key reforms