FCT Elections: Wike announces work-free Friday, orders movement restriction

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement across the territory ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.

The minister said movement would be restricted from 8 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday to ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the polls. The announcement was made in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday.

The broadcast was conveyed in a press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

Calling on residents to take part actively in the elections, Wike described the exercise as critical to the future of the territory.

He said, “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. 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.

“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“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.”

Wike explained that both the work-free day and the movement restriction were approved by President **Bola Ahmed Tinubu** to enable residents travel to their communities and participate fully in the elections.

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“With the approval of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, 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 8 pm on Friday, February 20 to 6pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” he said.

The minister also praised President Tinubu for assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, describing it as evidence of the administration’s resolve to strengthen democratic institutions and guarantee credible elections.

He added, “To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice.

“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.”

Voters across the six area councils — Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali — will go to the polls to elect chairmen and councillors.

The campaign season, which commenced in September 2025, ended today, Thursday. A total of 68 elective positions are up for grabs, comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions.

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