Wike Denies imposing FCT poll curfew

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed criticism from the FCT senator over pre-poll movement restrictions (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.), insisting it was a standard security measure, not a curfew, and urging critics to read statements carefully.

He made this know on Saturday when he monitored the election exercise as FCT Residents decides who governs them

“It is unfortunate. I never imposed a curfew. In my statement, I said, ‘With the approval of Mr. President, there would be a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

’ This is not the first time such a measure has been taken during elections,” Wike clarified after monitoring the 2026 Area Council elections in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He expressed satisfaction with the violence-free polls despite low urban turnout. “Everywhere is peaceful. The only issue we have observed is low voter turnout, particularly within the city, but in satellite towns, the turnout is quite impressive” he said

“Minor protests at one unit didn’t escalate, he noted. “What is important is that the election is peaceful—no violence, no destruction of ballot papers or ballot boxes.”

“Security has done very well… We have not recorded any such violence,” unlike past polls.
Wike held off on INEC’s BVAS and IReV verdict pre-count.

He said “Everything appears to be moving smoothly… We will continue to monitor.”

With voting ending by 2:30 p.m, he appealed for calm while collation is ongoing. “Remain peaceful, That is usually when those who feel they may lose might want to cause problems.”