The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the peaceful conduct of the Area Council elections held across the six councils, describing the exercise as largely orderly and violence-free.
Wike, who personally monitored the elections on Saturday, February 21, 2026, expressed satisfaction with voter participation, particularly in the satellite towns. While noting low turnout in the city centre, he said the large number of residents who came out to vote in outlying communities was impressive.
“We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The problem we have is low voter turnout, particularly in the cities, and that has always been the case. But going round some of the satellite towns, you can see that it is quite impressive,” the minister said.
Speaking at Ketti Primary School polling unit and other locations visited, Wike highlighted what he described as a massive turnout in several satellite communities compared to the city centre.
“What’s important is that the election is peaceful — no violence, no snatching of ballot papers and ballot boxes,” he added.
The minister commended security agencies in the FCT for ensuring a calm atmosphere and also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
On the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Wike said early indications suggested the technology was functioning effectively, adding that a comprehensive assessment would follow the completion of vote counting.
Reacting to criticism by the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, over the alleged imposition of a movement ban, the minister clarified that he did not act unilaterally.
“I never imposed a curfew. If you heard my statement, I said, with the approval of Mr. President. With the approval of Mr. President, I said from 8pm to 6am today, there will be restriction of movement. And this is not the first time movement is restricted during election,” he said, urging critics to verify statements before reacting.
Wike also called on residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process, encouraging them to see the exercise through to its conclusion peacefully.
Polling units visited by the minister included those in Garki, Garki Village, Karu, Karshi, Wasa, Kabusa, Sheretti and Ketti.
In a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Honourable Minister, Rabi Musa Umar, the minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to credible and peaceful elections in the FCT.
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