The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the imposition of a curfew ahead of the February 21 area council elections in Abuja, insisting he acted within his authority.
Speaking during a media chat at his office on Monday, Wike maintained that he has the right, as what he described as the “governor of the FCT,” to declare a curfew for security reasons. He also clarified that the decision was approved by President Bola Tinubu.
“I have the rights, I am the governor of 3,000 polling units. For security, I have to find out what is going on. I don’t have to be told, I am not a candidate for the election,” Wike said.
Responding to criticism over his movements during the election, the former Rivers State governor dismissed claims that his presence at some polling units could have influenced the outcome.
“FCT has not less than 3,000 polling units. Assuming I went to 10 polling units to check what was going on, how will it affect 3,000 polling units?” he asked.
“As a candidate, I cannot move around. I must have my agents. As the Chief Security Officer, I have a right to have a view of what is going on and how does it affect, influence the election?”
Opposition Criticism
Wike also criticised opposition parties, accusing them of failing to prepare adequately for the elections. He argued that the success recorded by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reflected the performance of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
The minister had faced backlash for restricting human and vehicular movement across the FCT from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.
Among his critics is the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, who described the curfew as autocratic.
Kingibe argued that imposing a sweeping restriction without broad consultation with key stakeholders was “a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.”
“They are citizens of a democratic republic. Any sweeping restriction on their movement and livelihoods must be justified by compelling evidence, subjected to scrutiny, and carried out with transparency,” she said.
What you should know
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the curfew imposed ahead of the area council elections, saying it was a security measure approved by President Bola Tinubu and within his authority.
While Wike insists his actions did not influence the election outcome, critics, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, argue that the move undermined democratic principles and residents’ rights.
