Chukwu Obinna 
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
ABUJA, Nigeria – Abuja shuts down movement as residents prepare to vote in Saturday’s area council elections, with authorities imposing strict security measures across the capital territory.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike announces Friday as a work-free day and orders a territory-wide restriction of movement from Friday evening until Saturday evening.
The directive, approved by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, aims to ease travel for voters and secure polling across the six area councils, where about 1.68 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots.
“This election gives residents a direct say in grassroots governance,” Wike said during a nationwide broadcast. “We must conduct ourselves peacefully and responsibly.”
Security agencies receive instructions to enforce compliance throughout the restriction period, while residents are urged to cooperate fully with authorities.
Wike describes the polls as a defining moment for local democracy in the capital, adding that Nigeria must demonstrate electoral maturity to the international community.
He also welcomes the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, saying the reform strengthens transparency and credibility in the voting process.
“Our hope is that credible leaders will emerge leaders who bring peace, development and prosperity to the FCT,” the minister says.
However, his remarks draw attention after he signals political preference, stating that candidates opposing President Tinubu’s re-election bid should not expect electoral success, a comment already fuelling debate online.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Korede Abdullah 