Ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has imposed a 12-hour restriction of movement across the territory, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has separately declared a much longer 22-hour restriction, creating overlapping but differing directives.
Police Restriction Details: The FCT Police Command announced a 12-hour restriction from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The measure aims to ensure peaceful voting, prevent violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching and other electoral offences.
Exemptions include accredited election observers, journalists with valid INEC passes, emergency services (ambulance, fire, medical), essential workers and those on official election duty.
FCT Commissioner of Police CP Haruna Garba warned that violators will face arrest and prosecution under the Electoral Act 2022 and other relevant laws.
Minister Wike’s Separate Restriction In a statement issued late Thursday, February 19, 2026, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declared a separate and longer restriction of movement from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 (22 hours total).
Wike directed all security agencies in the FCT including Police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, military and others to enforce the order strictly and ensure no unauthorised movement during the period. He cited the need for maximum security and orderliness during the polls.
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The dual announcements have caused confusion among residents, with many questioning why two different timeframes were issued by different authorities in the same jurisdiction.
Residents and commuters in the FCT have expressed concern over conflicting directives, with some asking which one takes precedence, Civil society groups and election observers have called for clarification from INEC and the FCT Administration to avoid chaos on election day.
The PDP and other opposition parties in the FCT have accused the minister of overreach, claiming the longer restriction could suppress voter turnout in opposition strongholds.
Both the police and the minister have urged residents to comply with the respective orders and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
The Area Council polls will elect chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils (AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali). Over 1.5 million registered voters are expected to participate.
This is a developing story. DDNewsOnline will update with any clarification from INEC or joint security briefing.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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