By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, Minister Nyesom Wike has declared Friday, February 20, a work-free day and announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the territory.
The directives were disclosed during a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations on Thursday evening.
According to the Minister, who spoke with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the measures are designed to facilitate voter participation by allowing residents ample time to travel to their respective communities to vote for chairmanship and councillorship candidates in the six area councils.
Mr. Wike urged residents to turn out en masse, while emphasizing the importance of conducting themselves peacefully and orderly throughout the electoral process.
“Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election,” the Minister stated. “We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.”
The movement restriction will take effect from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, and remain in place until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21. Security agencies have been deployed and directed to ensure full compliance.
In his address, the Minister also commended President Tinubu for recently signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to strengthening democratic institutions and guaranteeing free, fair, and transparent elections.
The FCT Administration expressed optimism that the electoral exercise would produce leaders committed to fostering development, peace, and prosperity across the territory.
