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It expressed concerns over the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to implement a curfew from 8pm on Friday, a full day before the election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed serious concerns over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration’s declaration of a premature curfew in Abuja ahead of Saturday’s elections.

In a statement by the party spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the decision to impose restrictions on movement a day before the polls as “a blatant move to suppress voter turnout, having realised that it stood no chance in the election.”

The ADC acknowledged that “while some restrictions on movements on election day may be justified, the conventional practice is for such restrictions to commence at midnight on election day.”

It expressed concerns over the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to implement a curfew from 8pm on Friday, a full day before the election.

“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 will therefore like to register our strong objections to this premature restriction on movement,” the statement added.

The party emphasised the importance of conducting elections in an environment that is “not only safe but also visibly free and open to all eligible voters.”

It called on authorities to ensure that Abuja residents can travel to their polling units, remain there until the voting process is concluded, and return home “without fear of harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary restriction of movement.”

ADC officials argued that early curfews and movement restrictions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, potentially discouraging voters from participating.

"Any action that limits access to polling stations or creates the perception of intimidation is a direct threat to the credibility of the elections,” the party warned.

The statement also urged the FCT administration to adhere to established electoral norms, emphasising that voters’ rights to free and unrestricted movement during election periods must be respected.

ADC leaders stressed that ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process is critical for strengthening democracy in the FCT and across the country.

As Abuja prepares for the polls, political parties and civil society groups are closely monitoring government directives to safeguard electoral integrity and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.

The ADC has reiterated its call for authorities to review the curfew timing, highlighting that elections must remain accessible to all eligible voters without undue restrictions.

joelbooks:
Why are they crying . It affects everyone

.God Bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

hotseat:
Is the curfew directed strictly at ADC members and her voters?

Are members of other political parties free to move about during the said period?

As the administrator of the FCT, Nyesom Wike is legally authorized to put in place measures to ensure public safety especially during critical times such as election periods .

The ADC must stop crying wolf where there is none.

Or are they sensing defeat already?





@hotseat

joelbooks:
Why are they crying . It affects everyone
.God Bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

CENI:
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This present APC goons have failed to learn from history. Once upon a time, PDP was a toxic nuisance,in the political landscape, but today is gone. APC is doing the same now, but NOTHING lasts forever. Where's Sai baba today?
I see people hailing impunity above because it favours their party now.

Buharidgeneral:
Wailers sign of early defeat

iichidodo:
As an Abuja resident this is not the first time we are undergoing this democratic process but this is the first in a long time that we having a pensive, tensive atmosphere like The final a of World Cup between Nigeria and Brazil....Then we have APC stirring things up to scare people as if this is gonna be a straight fight and not a sure landslide, why?...It must be The Peter Obi effect.

CENI:
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This present APC goons have failed to learn from history. Once upon a time, PDP was a toxic nuisance,in the political landscape, but today is gone. APC is doing the same now, but NOTHING lasts forever. Where's Sai baba today?
I see people hailing impunity above because it favours their party now.

JAMO84:
They are already preparing a lame excuse for when they lose woefully.

RichDad1:
This ADC people are just noise makers. Declaring curfew during election is a standard practice in Nigeria.

Obviouslyblunt:
Let’s pretend this has no effect on the election. Why must APC do things to make voters and people doubt the credibility of an election. Why can’t they just pretend to give the people a fair election

treesun:
It expressed concerns over the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to implement a curfew from 8pm on Friday, a full day before the election.

https://saharareporters.com/2026/02/20/fct-council-elections-adc-decries-voter-suppression-tinubu-government-faults-movement

Burob:
Is Nyesom Wike the Minister for the FCT a member of the APC?