Wike Declares Work-Free Day for FCT Elections

Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, announced a work-free day on Friday, February 20, 2026, to enable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to participate in the upcoming elections. In a special broadcast on Thursday, he stated that movement would be restricted from 8 PM on Friday until 6 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Wike urged FCT residents to vote en masse for their preferred candidates, emphasizing the importance of this election in shaping the future of the territory. He expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval of the work-free day and the movement restrictions, which are aimed at ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

Wike highlighted the significance of exercising democratic rights and called for orderly conduct during the elections, reinforcing the need for respect for the electoral process and its outcomes. He also mentioned the recent amendments to the electoral act, which aim to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.