Residents of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, will be subject to a 34-hour movement restriction from 8:00 p.m. on Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. The directive, issued by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has been approved by President Bola Tinubu. It coincides with area council elections scheduled across all six local government areas of the FCT on Saturday.
The measure aims to ensure security and facilitate a smooth electoral process for these local polls. Area council elections are significant as they determine representatives responsible for grassroots governance, including local service delivery and community development. To support voter participation, Friday has also been declared a work-free day, allowing residents time for final preparations and travel to polling units.
Security agencies, including police and military personnel, have been deployed throughout the city to enforce the curfew. Authorities state that only accredited electoral officials and voters will be permitted to move during the restricted hours. The general public is advised to remain indoors. In a statement, the government urged residents to cooperate fully with security operatives, emphasizing that public compliance is essential for a peaceful and credible election.
This precaution follows a pattern of heightened security during Nigerian electoral cycles, where local polls have occasionally been marred by tension or violence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is overseeing the conduct of the area council polls, with results expected within days. The outcome will shape local administration in the capital territory for the next four-year term.
The nationwide focus on this election underscores the importance of credible sub-national governance within Nigeria’s federal structure. Authorities have reiterated that the temporary restriction is a security precaution, not a hindrance to democratic participation, and have assured that polling stations will operate as scheduled. The successful conclusion of these elections is viewed as a key indicator of stability in the country’s democratic process at the local level.
