Ahead of the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has declared Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day and imposed a movement restriction across the territory from 8:00 pm on Friday to 6:00 pm on Saturday. The announcements were made in a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations on Thursday evening. Mr Wike, with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the measures were to enable residents to travel to their communities and participate fully in the elections for chairmen and councillors in the six area councils. He urged FCT residents to turnout in large numbers to vote, emphasising the need for orderly and peaceful conduct. “Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election,” the minister said. “We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.” The minister also commended President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing it as evidence of the President’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. Security agencies have been directed to enforce strict compliance with the movement restriction. The FCT Administration expressed hope that the elections would produce leaders who will contribute meaningfully to development, peace, and prosperity in the territory.
