Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday, February 20, 2026, as work-free day and announced restriction of movement ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.
Wike made the announcement in a special broadcast on Thursday, explaining that the measures are intended to allow residents of Territory to travel to their communities and participate fully in the polls. Movement will be restricted from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.
The minister urged residents to come out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice, describing the election of chairmen and councillors across the six area councils as a crucial opportunity to shape the future of the Territory. He also called for peaceful, orderly and lawful conduct throughout the process.
According to Wike, the work-free day and movement restriction were approved by President Bola Tinubu, who also recently signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, a move the minister said demonstrates commitment to credible and transparent elections.
He assured residents that security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the movement restriction, while expressing confidence that the elections will produce quality leaders who will contribute to peace, development and prosperity in the FCT and Nigeria.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
