By Fesochukwu Obi
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commends peaceful conduct of Area Council elections across Abuja, highlighting calm security operations despite low voter turnout in city centres.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hailed the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s Area Council elections across Abuja, while noting concerns over low voter turnout in certain parts of the capital.
Wike, who monitored the voting exercise and interacted with voters across multiple polling units, described the overall security situation as calm and credited security agencies for maintaining order. “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. But in some of the satellite towns, the turnout is quite impressive,” he said.
He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the professionalism of its personnel and expressed confidence in the management of the electoral process. Wike confirmed that security agents performed commendably, with no reports of violence or disruptions.
Addressing comments by Ireti Kingibe, who described movement restrictions during the election as “authoritarian” and “ill-considered,” Wike clarified that the directive was not a personal curfew. He explained that the restriction followed instructions from President Bola Tinubu and was intended to ensure a smooth and safe voting process.
Abuja’s Area Council elections involve more than 1.5 million registered voters selecting chairmen and councillors across six councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali. A total of 68 elective positions are being contested, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions.
Analysts say that while low turnout in urban centres is a recurring trend in off-cycle elections, the peaceful conduct and orderly process highlight improvements in election management and security preparedness, setting a positive precedent for future voting exercises in the FCT.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.