FCT Police Impose 12-Hour Movement Restriction for Elections

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police announced a 12-hour movement restriction across Abuja and its environs in preparation for the area council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. This restriction, aimed at ensuring security and the smooth conduct of the elections, was communicated in a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, on Thursday.

The restriction will apply to residents, except for essential services and duly accredited electoral officials. Additionally, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declared Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to facilitate residents' ability to travel and vote.

This decision was approved by President Bola Tinubu. The movement restriction will be in effect from 8:00 PM on Friday until 6:00 PM on Saturday, with security agencies directed to ensure strict compliance.

The minister encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers and conduct themselves peacefully, expressing confidence that the elections would produce capable leaders to promote development and stability in the territory.