The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have warned that Nigerians are gradually losing confidence in the country’s electoral process.

The organisations cited voter apathy, logistical shortcomings, and alleged political interference in recent elections held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers, and Kano states.

In a statement signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), the groups described the elections as largely peaceful in many polling units but noted significant operational and credibility concerns.

According to them, declining voter turnout signals a deeper crisis of confidence in democratic governance.

They noted that observers reported generally low participation across several polling units, with some centres recording as few as 10 voters throughout the day.

They stressed that persistent apathy reflects growing public distrust and dissatisfaction with the electoral process.

The groups also noted that essential assistive materials, including magnifying glasses and Braille posters, were absent in more than 60 per cent of polling units observed.

They called for a comprehensive audit of INEC’s assistive tools and renewed commitment to inclusive participation.

CISLAC and TMG further pointed to delayed deployment of personnel and election materials, particularly in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, where several polling units reportedly opened late.

The groups raised concerns over alleged voter suppression targeting women in certain high-density communities, claiming that economic intimidation was deployed to discourage women from participating.

They urged INEC to treat the identified lapses as an early warning ahead of future general elections, stressing the need for improved logistics and timely commencement of voting.

They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that public officials strictly comply with electoral laws and refrain from actions that could erode public trust.

The observers reported that relocation of certain polling units without adequate communication created confusion and may have led to voter disenfranchisement.

In Kano and Rivers states, the groups expressed concern about the absence of major political parties from the ballot in some INEC-conducted bye-elections.

Describing the development as unusual, particularly in Kano, where major parties traditionally participate actively, CISLAC and TMG urged the commission to provide a clear explanation to avoid perceptions of deliberate exclusion.