By Peter Omopo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the just-concluded FCT Area Council elections as peaceful, despite expressing concern over low voter turnout in parts of Abuja’s city centre.
Wike, who monitored the exercise across several locations including Garki, Karu Chief’s Palace, Karshi, Kabusa and Keti on Saturday, commended residents for their orderly conduct during the polls.
“We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The problem we have is low voter turnout, particularly in the city centre, and that has always been the case,” he said.
According to him, turnout was more encouraging in satellite communities. “Going to some of the satellite towns like this polling unit in Keti, you can see that the turnout is quite impressive. The low turnout of voters is very unfortunate. What is important, however, is that the election is peaceful — no violence, no snatching of ballot papers or ballot boxes,” he added.
The minister also praised security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise, noting that there were no reported cases of violence at polling units.
Wike commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a hitch-free process.
Responding to criticism by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who faulted the restriction of movement from Friday evening to Saturday evening as an unlawful curfew, Wike dismissed the claim as unfortunate.
He clarified that he did not impose a curfew but enforced a temporary restriction of movement with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure security during the elections.
“I never imposed a curfew. If you read my statement, I said, with the approval of Mr President, movements would be restricted from 8:00 p.m. Friday to 6:00 p.m. today, and this is not the first time,” he said.
Wike urged residents to maintain the calm atmosphere as results are being collated, calling for the same level of peace that characterised the voting process.
