FCT area council polls: Wike declares Friday work-free, imposes movement restriction. By Ladidi Al-Hassan
FCT area council polls: Wike declares Friday work-free, imposes movement restriction
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day ahead of the Area Council elections slated for Saturday, February 21.
Wike also announced a restriction of movement across the FCT from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday, as part of measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls.
The Minister made the announcement in a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations on Thursday.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike urged residents of the FCT to turn out en masse to elect new or returning Chairmen and Councillors for the six area councils.
“On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
“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.”
He called on voters to approach the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility, stressing the need for orderliness and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“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,” he added.
According to the Minister, the decisions to declare a work-free day and impose movement restrictions were approved by the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“At this juncture, with the approval of the President, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to enable 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 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” he said.
Wike also appreciated President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 into law, describing it as a clear demonstration of his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that electoral processes are free, fair and transparent.
He noted that democracy remains a work in progress, expressing optimism that continuous review of the Electoral Act would further deepen Nigeria’s democratic practice.
The Minister urged residents to make their voices heard by participating actively in the elections, expressing hope that the exercise would produce quality leaders capable of driving development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.
“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that 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,” he said.
