Wike Defends Curfew Ahead of February 21 Elections

Nyesom Wike, the Governor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has asserted his right to impose a curfew in Abuja ahead of the area council elections scheduled for February 21. During a media chat on Monday, Wike emphasized that the decision to restrict human and vehicular movement from 8 PM on Fridays to 6 PM on Saturdays is purely for security purposes.

He dismissed claims that the presence of a curfew would influence the election outcomes as unfounded. Wike clarified that the imposition of the curfew was not a unilateral decision but one made with the approval of the presidency.

His actions have drawn criticism from opposition figures and residents, with Senator Ireti Kingibe accusing him of acting in an autocratic manner, labeling the curfew as excessive and undemocratic.