By Joy Yesufu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the ongoing Area Council elections across Abuja, despite concerns over low voter turnout in parts of the city.
After monitoring the exercise and interacting with voters, Wike said the security situation remained calm throughout the territory, attributing the orderly process 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,” he said.
“But in some of the satellite towns, the turnout is quite impressive. What is important is that the election is peaceful, with no violence.”
The minister commended security operatives for maintaining order and preventing disruptions.
He also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as the professional conduct of its personnel during the exercise.
Responding to criticisms reportedly made by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who described the movement restriction during the election period as “authoritarian” and “ill-considered,” Wike denied imposing a curfew.
“It is very unfortunate. She should have read my statement carefully. I never imposed a curfew. I said Mr President directed that movement be restricted from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and this is not the first time such a measure has been taken,” he stated.
Wike emphasised that the restriction was not a personal directive but part of broader security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
The FCT has more than 1.5 million registered voters participating in the elections to choose chairmen and councillors across its six area councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali.
In total, 68 elective positions are being contested, comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions.
