FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declares Friday work-free and restricts movement from 8pm to 6pm Saturday ahead of the FCT Area Council elections
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a work-free day on Friday and a restriction of movement ahead of Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.
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Wike disclosed the directive in a special broadcast on Thursday, saying the restriction will take effect from 8:00 p.m. on Friday and last until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The work-free day was approved by President Bola Tinubu to allow residents to travel to their communities and participate in the elections.
“Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” Wike said, urging residents to come out en masse to vote.
He called on the electorate to exercise their democratic rights responsibly, stressing, “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.”
The minister expressed confidence that the election would produce leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the development, peace, and prosperity of the FCT. “Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory,” he added.
The election will cover six area councils: Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
A total of 68 constituencies will vote for chairmen, their deputies, and councillors across 62 wards.
Each council has 10 wards, except AMAC, which has 12 due to its larger population.
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INEC National Commissioner for the FCT, Muhammad Haruna, highlighted the importance of the FCT Area Council election, noting it is the only election conducted by INEC in the territory and serves as a benchmark for local government elections nationwide.
