The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms surrounding the movement restrictions imposed ahead of the Area Council elections in Abuja, insisting that the true measure of political strength would be reflected in the final results.
Speaking on Saturday after monitoring the polls in Abuja, Wike addressed comments attributed to Ireti Kingibe, who reportedly criticised the presidential directive enforcing a curfew from 8pm on Friday, the eve of the election.
The minister clarified that the restriction on movement from Friday evening to Saturday was not a personal decision but one approved by the President to ensure a peaceful electoral process. He expressed disappointment that his earlier remarks were not thoroughly reviewed before being publicly challenged.
“I do not want to join issues. At the end of the election, when the results come out, then we will know,” Wike stated, shifting attention to the outcome of the polls as the ultimate indicator of political influence in the territory.
Assessing the conduct of the elections, the minister noted a familiar trend of lower voter turnout in the city centre, describing it as typical of off cycle elections. However, he commended what he termed an impressive turnout in several satellite towns across the FCT.
Wike emphasised that the most significant achievement of the exercise was the absence of violence or instability. He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission for the professionalism displayed by its personnel during the process.
He also lauded security agencies for maintaining order, stating that no reports of violence had been brought to his attention. According to him, the peaceful atmosphere across polling units demonstrated that the primary objective of ensuring a safe and orderly election had been successfully achieved.
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