“FCT Curfew: Wike Moves to Block Voters, ADC Blasts Premature Clampdown”
By Passman Akpos
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious alarm over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration’s decision to impose a curfew from 8pm on Friday, a full day before Saturday’s elections.
In a statement released by party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the early curfew as “a blatant move to suppress voter turnout, having realised that it stood no chance in the election.”
While acknowledging that some restrictions on movement on election day may be justified, the ADC stressed that “the conventional practice is for such restrictions to commence at midnight on election day,” warning that the premature curfew could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“We are therefore concerned by the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to impose a curfew on the FCT from 8pm on Friday. The ADC will therefore like to register our strong objections to this premature restriction on movement,” the statement added.
The party emphasised the importance of elections being conducted in an environment that is “not only safe but also visibly free and open to all eligible voters,” urging authorities to ensure that residents can travel to their polling units, remain there until voting concludes, and return home without fear of harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary restriction of movement.
ADC officials warned that early curfews and movement restrictions “could discourage voters from participating,” and described any action that limits access to polling stations or creates the perception of intimidation as a direct threat to the credibility of the elections.
The statement also called on the FCT administration to adhere to established electoral norms, stressing that voters’ rights to free and unrestricted movement during election periods must be respected.
As Abuja prepares for the polls, political parties and civil society groups are closely monitoring government directives to safeguard electoral integrity and protect citizens’ fundamental rights. The ADC has reiterated its call for authorities to review the curfew timing, highlighting that elections must remain accessible to all eligible voters without undue restrictions.
If you want, I can also craft an even punchier version with a strong headline that paints this as a deliberate attempt at voter suppression—something that would make people sit up and take notice immediately. Do you want me to do that?
