The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over what it describes as a deliberate attempt to suppress voter turnout in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026.
In a strongly worded statement posted by the party’s Publicity Secretary the party criticised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for imposing a curfew across Abuja from 8 p.m. on Friday, 20 February, describing the measure as premature and unjustified.
The ADC argued that the restriction, which extends well before election day, contravenes established electoral practices and appears designed to hinder eligible voters from participating freely.
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The party acknowledged that some limitations on movement may be necessary on election day itself for security reasons, but insisted that such restrictions traditionally begin at midnight on the polling day.
“The conventional practice is for such restrictions to commence at midnight on election day,” the statement read.
“We are therefore concerned by the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to impose a curfew on the FCT from 8pm on Friday.”
The ADC contended that the government, having assessed its prospects in the polls, resorted to this tactic out of fear of defeat.
It emphasised that elections must occur in an environment that is not only secure but also “visibly free and open to all eligible voters.”
Residents of Abuja, the party stressed, should be able to travel safely to their polling units, complete the voting process, and return home without facing harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary curbs on movement.
The announcement by Wike, made with presidential approval, declared Friday a work-free day and restricted movement from 8 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday to facilitate smooth elections and allow residents to return to their communities.
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Separately, the FCT Police Command imposed a 12-hour restriction on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., exempting essential workers and election officials.
The ADC registered its strong objection to the early curfew, calling for measures that uphold democratic principles rather than impede them.
The party urged authorities to ensure an atmosphere conducive to high voter participation and transparent polling across the six Area Councils.
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