FCT Lockdown: Wike Declares Friday Public Holiday Ahead of Council Polls

​The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day to facilitate the smooth conduct of the upcoming Area Council elections.

​In a move aimed at ensuring maximum voter turnout and security, the Minister also announced a total restriction of movement across the territory starting from 8:00 PM on Friday until 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 21.

​Presidential Backing and Security Directives

​Addressing the FCT in a special broadcast on Thursday, Wike revealed that these measures received the explicit approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The holiday is intended to allow residents to travel to their various communities within the six area councils—Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali—to exercise their franchise.

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​”I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility,” Wike stated, emphasizing the importance of electing quality leaders for the 68 constituencies at stake. He further directed all security agencies to ensure strict compliance with the movement restriction, which will prohibit vehicular and non-essential human traffic during the designated hours.

​A New Era for Elections: The 2026 Electoral Act

​The Minister also lauded President Tinubu for recently signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law. This new legislation is expected to play a pivotal role in Saturday’s polls, featuring:

• ​Mandatory Electronic Transmission: Statutory backing for the immediate upload of results from polling units to the IReV portal.
• ​Technological Safeguards: Reaffirming the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as the sole accreditation standard.
• ​Stricter Penalties: Increased sanctions for electoral offenses to deter malpractice.

​Stakes and Expectations

​With 1.5 million voters expected to decide the fate of both new and returning Chairmen and Councilors, the 2026 FCT election is widely viewed as a litmus test for the 2027 general elections. While the ruling APC seeks to consolidate its influence in the capital, opposition parties and civil society groups are calling for a transparent process that prioritizes grassroots service delivery over political rhetoric.

​INEC has confirmed that polls will open at 8:30 AM on Saturday. Residents are reminded that only those with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be allowed to vote.