The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister also announced a restriction of movement across the territory from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21.
Wike said the decision was aimed at ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections.
“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8:00 p.m. of Friday, February 20, to 6:00 a.m. of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” the statement read.
Residents of the FCT are expected to comply with the movement restriction, while security agencies have been mandated to enforce the order throughout the duration of the exercise.
The Area Council elections will hold across the six area councils of the FCT on Saturday.
