The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the ongoing Area Council elections across the FCT, despite concerns over low voter turnout in parts of the capital city.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise and interacting with voters, Wike said the overall security situation remained calm, attributing the peaceful atmosphere to the efforts of security agencies.
“We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The challenge we have is low voter turnout, particularly in the city centre, and that has always been the case. But going round to some of the satellite towns, we could see that the turnout is quite impressive.
“It is unfortunate in the city that you have a very low turnout, but in an off-cycle election like this, it is always the case. What is important is that the election is peaceful, no violence,” he said.
The minister added that security operatives had performed creditably during the exercise.
“Security agents have done their jobs very well, and we do not have reports of violence,” he stated.
Wike, who also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of its personnel, expressed confidence in the management of the electoral process.
Responding to comments attributed to Ireti Kingibe, who reportedly described the movement restriction as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society,” Wike dismissed claims that he imposed a curfew.
“It is very unfortunate. She should have read my statement carefully. I never imposed a curfew. I said Mr President has said from 8 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday, that movement will be restricted, and this is not the first time,” he said.
He further clarified his position, stressing that the directive was not a personal decision.
The FCT has more than 1.5 million registered voters expected to elect chairmen and councillors across the six area councils— Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali.
In total, 68 elective positions are being contested, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions.
