…Restriction on movement holds 8:00pm on Friday, Feb. 20, until 6:00pm on Saturday Feb. 21
By Olawale Lamina
Ahead of the FCT Area Council elections on Saturday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has officially declared Friday, February 20, 2026, as a public holiday for Abuja residents, to allow them exercise their voting rights.
In a formal broadcast, the FCT minister said the directive, which was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is intended to facilitate the movement of citizens to their respective communities in preparation for the Area Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
Wike, who underscored the significance of the upcoming polls, where chairmen and councilors for the six area councils in Abuja will be elected, also assured that key security measures and restrictions would be in place to ensure a seamless exercise.
Bar. Wike stressed that a total restriction of movement will be enforced across the FCT from 8:00pm on Friday, February 20, until 6:00pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026 to ensure a secure voting process,
Bar. Wike stated that all security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the movement restriction to maintain law and order.
He also used the occasion to expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law which he said will further strengthen the democratic process.
He said:”This action demonstrates (the President’s) commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent.”
The minister also urged all residents to exercise their democratic rights with a sense of purpose and decorum and called for a peaceful conduct that reflects a mature and responsible electorate.
“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace, and prosperity in the FCT,” Wike added.
He invited all eligible voters to come out in their numbers on Saturday to make their voices heard and contribute to building a brighter future for the Territory.
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