The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday defended his movements during the just-concluded FCT Area Council elections, insisting they were purely for security oversight and had no impact on the outcome of the polls.
Speaking during a media chat at his official residence in Abuja, Wike maintained that as Chief Security Officer of the FCT, he was within his rights to monitor developments across polling units.
According to him, out of the nearly 3,000 polling units in the territory, he visited only about 10.
“Assuming I went to 10 polling units to check what was going on, how will it affect 3,000 polling units?” Wike queried. “I am not a candidate in the election. As Chief Security Officer, I have a right to know what is happening.”
The minister also stated that the restriction of human and vehicular movement from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday was lawful and carried out with the approval of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike dismissed allegations that the measures were designed to influence the polls, arguing that security considerations justified the directive.
The minister further criticised the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), claiming the party failed to adequately prepare for the elections.
He attributed the success of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the performance of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
However, Wike’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, including FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, who described the sweeping restriction order as autocratic.
Kingibe argued that imposing a territory-wide curfew without broad consultation was “a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.”
“They are citizens of a democratic republic. Any sweeping restriction on their movement and livelihoods must be justified by compelling evidence, subjected to scrutiny, and carried out with transparency,” she said.
Despite the backlash, Wike hinted that he would commence a “thank you visit” across the area councils beginning Tuesday, in appreciation of residents’ support during the elections.
The post-election developments continue to stir political debate in Nigeria’s capital.