The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has offered a detailed explanation for the temporary movement restrictions introduced ahead of the Area Council polls, insisting that the decision was neither arbitrary nor personal.
According to him, the FCT curfew was implemented only after securing the consent of President Bola Tinubu, underscoring that the measure followed due process at the highest level of government.
Speaking during a tour of multiple polling units across Abuja and surrounding communities, Wike addressed concerns raised by critics who questioned the legality and necessity of the restrictions.
He maintained that the safety of residents and the credibility of the council elections were paramount considerations.
The minister stressed that security intelligence and consultations informed the decision to limit movement from 8:00 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
In the days leading up to the vote, Wike had declared Friday a public holiday within the capital city.
The announcement, broadcast on television and radio platforms, was intended to allow residents adequate time to prepare for participation in the local polls.
However, it was the subsequent restriction of vehicular and human movement that generated heated debate, particularly among political stakeholders.
Among the most vocal critics was the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, who described the restrictions as inconsistent with democratic values.
She argued that such sweeping measures should involve broader consultation and warned that curtailing movement could disenfranchise or inconvenience voters.
Kingibe’s remarks quickly drew public attention, sparking discussions about executive authority and electoral best practices.
Wike, however, rejected suggestions that he acted alone. He clarified that the FCT curfew was introduced with presidential approval, noting that it was publicly stated during his broadcast.
Expressing disappointment at what he described as misinterpretation, he said elected officials have a duty to listen carefully to official communications before responding.
While firm in his defense, he indicated he would not escalate the disagreement into a prolonged political confrontation.
During his inspection of polling units in Garki, Karu, Karshi, Wasa, Apo, and Ketti, Wike observed varying levels of voter turnout.
He noted that participation appeared lower in parts of the city centre compared to satellite communities.
Despite this disparity, he commended residents who turned out to exercise their civic responsibility, describing the atmosphere as calm and orderly.
He also praised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
According to him, the effective deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) contributed significantly to the transparency of the process.
The technology, designed to verify voter identity electronically, reportedly functioned efficiently in most polling stations visited.
Security agencies stationed throughout the capital received commendation as well.
Wike stated that reports reaching his office indicated that no violent incidents had been recorded at the time of his assessment.
He attributed this relative peace partly to the proactive enforcement of the FCT curfew, arguing that preventive steps often deter potential disruptions before they materialize.
Addressing residents directly, the minister urged continued patience and cooperation until the final collation and announcement of results.
He emphasized that peaceful conduct during and after elections strengthens public trust in democratic institutions.
In his view, temporary restrictions, though inconvenient to some, are justified when aimed at safeguarding the broader public interest.
Political observers say the controversy surrounding the FCT curfew highlights ongoing tensions between security management and civil liberties during elections.
While some residents supported the government’s cautious approach, others questioned whether such measures were proportionate.
Nonetheless, the elections proceeded without major disturbances, reinforcing the narrative of a largely peaceful democratic exercise.
Wike concluded by reiterating that the primary objective of the restrictions was to ensure credible council elections across the territory.
He expressed optimism that once results are officially declared, attention would shift from the debate over procedure to the performance of those elected to serve at the grassroots level.
As Abuja continues to grow in political and economic significance, decisions taken during electoral cycles often attract intense scrutiny.
The minister’s firm stance on the FCT curfew signals his administration’s readiness to prioritize security considerations, even amid criticism.
About The Author
