Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said Saturday’s area council elections throughout the FCT were peaceful, despite worries over low voter participation in some sections of the capital. The polls took place across the six area councils in the territory.
After inspecting the process, Wike credited the peaceful conduct to the work of security agencies.
“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 going round to some of the satellite towns, we could see that the turnout is quite impressive.
“It is unfortunate in the city that you have a very low turnout, but in an off-cycle election like this, it is always the case. What is important is that the election is peaceful, no violence,” he said.
The minister further stated that security personnel carried out their duties effectively during the exercise, stressing that there were no “reports of violence”.
Addressing remarks by Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, who had alleged that the minister failed to consult broadly before enforcing a curfew for the elections, Wike rejected the assertion that he unilaterally declared a curfew.
He clarified that the order was not taken on his own.
“It is very unfortunate. She should have read my statement carefully. I never imposed a curfew. I said Mr President has said from 8 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday, that movement will be restricted, and this is not the first time,” he said.
In spite of the movement restriction, many residents were reportedly seen moving around different parts of the FCT.
According to reports from NAN, commercial buses, tricycles and motorcycles operated across several districts without noticeable obstruction.
