Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, hasdismissed criticisms regarding election-eve movement restrictions, shifting thefocus to the final results as the ultimate arbiter of political influence inthe nation’s capital. Speaking after monitoring the Area Council elections onSaturday in Abuja, Wike addressed comments credited to FCT Senator, IretiKingibe, criticizing the presidential directive to impose a curfew on theterritory from 8pm on Friday – the eve of the election. The minister clarified his earlier directives on movement,which had become a point of contention, noting that the restrictions, spanningfrom Friday evening to Saturday, were not a personal imposition but were basedon the approval of the President. He expressed disappointment that his statements were notcarefully reviewed before being challenged. “I don’t want to join issues. Atthe end of the election, when the results come out, then we will know”, hesaid. Assessing the conduct of the polls, the minister observed afamiliar disparity in voter participation. While describing the turnout in thecity centre as traditionally low, he commended the “quite impressive” turnoutrecorded in several satellite towns. He attributed the thinning crowds in urban areas to thenature of off-cycle elections but emphasized that the overarching success layin the absence of instability. Wike, who spent time interacting with voters on the field,commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for theprofessionalism of its personnel. He also gave a high rating to security agencies, noting thatno reports of violence had reached his office. “We thank God that everywhere ispeaceful,” he remarked, underscoring that the primary goal of a non-violentelectoral process had been achieved.
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