….as FCT imposes Movement Restriction
…ADC raises alarm over alleged voter suppression in FCT
…Curfew limits freedom of residents democratically – Senator Ireti Kingibe
President Bola Tinubu has called for peaceful and orderly conduct during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State and Rivers States.
The President, in a statement on Friday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, urged security agencies to exercise restraint and the electoral body to strengthen public confidence in the process.
“President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasising that the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect,” the statement read.
He appealed to voters, security personnel and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out their responsibilities calmly and professionally.
Tinubu encouraged eligible voters to turn out without fear, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect.
He also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory rhetoric and any actions capable of undermining the credibility of the polls.
The President warned security agencies against high-handedness, intimidation or any conduct that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust. He emphasised that their role is to safeguard lives and property while protecting the integrity of the ballot.
He further called on INEC to take necessary steps to boost voter confidence by ensuring timely accreditation, smooth voting procedures, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting institutions responsible for delivering free, fair and credible elections, expressing confidence that the outcome of the polls would reflect the will of the people and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
INEC is set to conduct elections across the six area councils of the FCT, as well as bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies in Rivers State, and in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
FCT Movement Restriction
On Thursday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement from 8 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday over the FCT Council elections.
Wike announced in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urging residents of the FCT to come out en masse to vote for candidates of their choice.
In the broadcast, he said: “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory.
“The election of either new or returning chairmen and councillors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.
“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.
“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.
“At this juncture, with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to enable the movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.
“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8 pm on Friday, February 20 to 6 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.
“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair and transparent.
“My dear residents, democracy has always been a work in progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by continually reviewing the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.
“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and vote for the candidates of your choice.
“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of quality leaders who will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.
“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children and our territory.”
Meanwhile, the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has faulted the curfew imposed on residents by the Minister Nyesom Wike ahead of Saturday’s area council election in the capital city.
Kingibe maintained that the curfew unnecessarily limits the freedom of residents of the FCT in a democratic society.
In an interview with Arise Television on Friday, the lawmaker said sensitive materials for Saturday’s election are already on ground.
He said: “From my observation I think everything is ready, both security and logistics.
“We the members of the different area councils followed the materials yesterday, so we know that the materials have arrived and everything seems to be on track.
“People do not understand the reason for this restriction. Many residents have various activities and responsibilities in the evening, and such a curfew unnecessarily limits their freedom in a democratic society.
“There have been no reported security breaches to justify this action, and it feels like an unwarranted infringement on the rights of citizens.”
In the same vein, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised serious concerns over what it described as a move to suppress voter turnout ahead of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, elections scheduled for Saturday.
The party faulted the declaration of a curfew in Abuja from 8 p.m. on Friday, allegedly ordered by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing the move as premature and politically motivated.
This was disclosed in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who argued that while restrictions on movement on election day may be justified for security reasons, such measures traditionally commence at midnight on the day of the election.
Abdullahi described the early curfew as a “blatant move to suppress voter turnout,” adding that the government imposed the restriction after allegedly realising it “stood no chance in the election.”
He said the party was worried that the timing of the curfew could disenfranchise voters who may need to travel across parts of the FCT to participate in the polls.
“We will like to register our strong objections to this premature restriction on movement,” Abdullahi said, stressing that the decision could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He further emphasised that “elections must be conducted in an atmosphere that is not only safe but also visibly free and open to all eligible voters.”
According to him, Abuja residents should be able to travel safely to their polling units, remain there until voting is concluded, and return home without fear of harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary restrictions.
The party called on relevant authorities to reconsider the timing of the curfew to ensure that the electoral process remains credible, transparent, and inclusive.
