'Go Out and Vote': Wike Declares Friday Work-Free, Imposes Movement Restriction for Saturday's FCT Area Council Elections

Minister urges peaceful conduct as President Tinubu signs Electoral Act amendment, boosting confidence in electoral process

Ahead of Saturday's crucial Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has declared Friday, February 20, a work-free day and imposed a movement restriction across the territory from 8:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 p.m. Saturday.

The announcements, made in a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations Thursday evening, aim to facilitate residents' participation in electing chairmen and councillors for the six area councils .

A Call to Civic Duty

Wike, speaking with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, urged FCT residents to turn out in large numbers to vote, emphasizing the need for orderly and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.

"Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election," the minister said. "We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum" .

Movement Restrictions Enforced

The minister directed security agencies to enforce strict compliance with the movement restriction, which covers all vehicular movement across the FCT during the specified hours. Exceptions will likely be made for electoral officials, accredited observers, and emergency services, though these were not detailed in the broadcast .

The work-free day declaration on Friday is intended to give residents ample time to travel to their communities and prepare for Saturday's polls .

Electoral Reform Boost

Wike also commended President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law earlier this week, describing it as evidence of the President's commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections .

The amended Electoral Act, passed by the National Assembly and assented to within 24 hours, provides the legal framework for the 2027 general elections and is expected to guide Saturday's local polls as well .

What's at Stake

Voters across the FCT's six area councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—will elect chairmen and councillors to lead local governance for the next three years. The elections are seen as a test run for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)'s preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections .

The FCT Administration expressed hope that the elections would produce leaders who will contribute meaningfully to development, peace, and prosperity in the territory .

With security agencies on high alert and residents encouraged to exercise their civic rights, all eyes now turn to Saturday—when the FCT will decide who leads its local governments into the next chapter.