The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed grave concern over the declaration of what it described as a premature curfew in the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.
The party said the decision to impose movement restrictions from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, as announced by the FCT administration under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, raises serious questions about the commitment of authorities to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
According to the ADC, while limited restrictions on movement on election day may be understandable for security and logistical reasons, the established democratic practice is for such measures to commence at midnight on the day of the election — not several hours before.
The party warned that imposing a curfew a day before the polls could significantly disrupt voter movement, discourage participation, and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
The ADC stated that elections must be conducted in an environment that is not only secure but also visibly open, transparent, and accessible to all eligible voters. Abuja residents, the party stressed, must be able to travel safely to their polling units, remain there until the voting process is concluded, and return home without harassment, intimidation, or arbitrary restrictions.
The party therefore registered its strong objection to what it described as a premature and unjustified restriction on movement and called on the authorities to immediately review the decision in the interest of democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful participation in the electoral process and urged security agencies to act professionally, impartially, and in strict accordance with the law.
