CISLAC, TMG Criticize Abuja Movement Restrictions Ahead of Elections

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have condemned the announced restrictions of movement in Abuja ahead of the area council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. They characterized the decision as poorly coordinated and contrary to national interest, potentially fueling allegations of electoral manipulation.

Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC, and the Chairman of TMG expressed their concerns regarding the lack of harmony among security and government authorities, noting discrepancies in the timelines and restrictions announced by different officials. The groups criticized the rationale behind extending the movement restrictions from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, arguing that such measures could heighten public suspicion and undermine trust in the electoral process.

They emphasized that elections should not be treated as a war and called for a unified strategy to maintain public confidence. Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had declared movement restrictions across the FCT from 8:00 PM on Friday to 6:00 PM on Saturday, which was contradicted by the FCT Police Command's announcement.