Tinubu urges calm, restraint as FCT, Kano, Rivers vote

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has charged voters, security agencies, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials to ensure orderliness during today’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano, and Rivers states.

The polls cover elections in the FCT’s six area councils, alongside bye-elections in Rivers State’s Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies, and Kano’s Municipal and Ungogo constituencies.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged eligible voters to turn out fearlessly.

“The democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect,” he stated.

He warned political parties, candidates, and supporters against violence, inflammatory rhetoric or actions that could undermine the process.

Security agencies received a direct caution: avoid high-handedness, intimidation, or voter disenfranchisement, as their roles are to safeguard lives, property, and the ballot’s integrity.

Tinubu also tasked INEC to boost public confidence through timely accreditation, seamless voting, accurate collation, and prompt result transmission under the 2026 Electoral Act.

“Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections,” he affirmed.

“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” the president added.