The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday described the Area Council elections as peaceful and orderly, despite recording low voter turnout in parts of the city centre.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the minister said the process had been largely calm, with no reports of violence or ballot snatching.
“First of all, we thank God that everywhere is peaceful,” Wike said. “The only issue observed is low voter turnout, particularly within the city centres, which has always been the case during off-cycle elections. However, in some satellite towns, turnout is quite impressive.”
He stressed that maintaining peace remained the most important achievement of the exercise.
“What is key is that the election is peaceful — no violence, no smuggling of people, no disruption,” he stated.
The minister commended security agencies for their professionalism, noting that previous elections in some polling units had witnessed disturbances.
“The security operatives have done their job very well. We used to have violence in some units, but this time we have not recorded such incidents,” he added.
On the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results, Wike expressed optimism.
“They have not started counting votes yet. It is after counting that issues of transmission may arise. But from what we have seen so far, everything appears to be going well. I commend INEC,” he said.
Responding to criticism over the restriction of movement ahead of the polls, Wike clarified that the decision was taken with presidential approval to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“I did not impose it unilaterally. With the approval of Mr. President, movement was restricted to guarantee a hitch-free exercise,” he said.
He urged residents to remain calm as voting concludes and collation begins, warning that tensions sometimes arise after ballots are cast.
“The voting process has been peaceful and orderly. I appeal to everyone to allow the process to be concluded peacefully,” Wike said.
The FCT Area Council elections are being conducted across the six area councils, with chairmanship and councillorship seats at stake.
Peaceful FCT Polls Marred by Low City Turnout, Says Wike
