Wike declares work-free Friday, restricts movement for council polls

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared Friday, February 20, a work-free day and ordered a restriction of movement across the FCT from 8pm Friday to 6pm Saturday ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike announced the measures in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday evening, urging residents to turn out en masse to vote for their preferred candidates in the polls for chairmen and councillors across the six area councils.

“At this juncture, with the approval of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections,” Wike stated.

He added: “Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20, to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.”

The minister emphasised the importance of peaceful participation, saying, “As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election.”

Wike also commended President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, noting it underscores the commitment to free, fair and transparent polls. He prayed the elections would yield leaders driving development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

The broadcast read: “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. The election of either new or returning chairmen and councillors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.

“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.

“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent.

“My dear residents, democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.

“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice.

“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”