The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day ahead of the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
Wike also announced a restriction of movement across the FCT from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.
The minister made the announcement during a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urging residents to turn out in large numbers to elect chairmen and councillors for the six area councils.
“On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory,” Wike said.
“The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.”
He emphasised the need for orderliness and respect for democratic principles during the exercise.
“I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility,” he stated.
“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.”
According to the minister, the decisions were taken with the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“At this juncture, with the approval of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections,” Wike said.
“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8:00 p.m. of Friday, February 20, to 6:00 p.m. of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.”
Wike also commended the President for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law.
“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent,” he said.
He described democracy as a continuous process of improvement.
“My dear residents, democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.”
Encouraging residents to participate actively, Wike added, “To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and vote for the candidates of your choice.”
“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.”
The FCT Area Council elections will determine leadership across the six area councils in the nation’s capital.