By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited several polling units across the Abuja Municipal Area Council as residents voted in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
Wike’s tour of polling centres formed part of what officials described as routine oversight, as the minister monitored the conduct of the elections in parts of the nation’s capital. The visits drew attention from voters and party agents, with security personnel maintaining a visible presence around the polling units.
Speaking briefly with journalists during the exercise, the minister expressed satisfaction with the process, commending electoral officials for what he described as an orderly and peaceful atmosphere in the areas he visited. He urged residents to participate peacefully and assured them of the administration’s commitment to credible grassroots elections.
The Area Council elections are seen as a key democratic exercise in the FCT, determining leadership across the six area councils responsible for local governance. Voters in the councils turned out to elect chairpersons and councillors who will oversee community-level administration and development.
Observers noted that turnout appeared steady in several locations within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, though final figures are expected to be released by the electoral body.
The FCT administration has repeatedly emphasised the importance of peaceful participation, calling on political actors and supporters to respect the outcome of the polls.
