Wike Responds to Kingibe on Election Movement Restrictions

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), addressed remarks made by Senator Ireti Kingibe concerning movement restrictions during the recently concluded local council elections in Abuja. Speaking at his first monthly media parley with journalists in October 2023, Wike rebuked Kingibe's comments, emphasizing that the declaration of any curfew or movement restrictions was approved by President Bola Tinubu.

He clarified that the intent was to ensure public safety and prevent potential violence during the elections. Wike stated that the FCT should not be compared to Rivers State in this context and advised residents to return to their area councils early on public holidays to avoid late returns, rather than implying a curfew.

He reiterated that his office relies on intelligence reports to maintain peace during elections and that such measures are not unprecedented.