The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday applauded the peaceful conduct of the ongoing Area Council elections across the FCT, even as he expressed concern over low voter turnout in parts of Abuja’s city centre.

After monitoring the exercise and engaging with voters, Wike said the elections were largely calm, crediting security agencies for maintaining order throughout the process. He noted that while turnout in the city centre was poor, participation in several satellite towns was encouraging.

“We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The major challenge is the low voter turnout, particularly in the city centre, which has always been the case. However, when you go to some of the satellite towns, the turnout is quite impressive,” he said.

According to the minister, low participation in city areas is typical of off-cycle elections, stressing that the absence of violence was the most critical factor. He added that security operatives had performed creditably, with no reports of major incidents.

Wike also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of its officials, expressing confidence in the management of the electoral process.

Reacting to comments attributed to Ireti Kingibe, who reportedly criticised the movement restriction as authoritarian and undemocratic, the minister dismissed claims that he imposed a curfew. He clarified that the restriction followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu and was not a personal decision.

“I never imposed a curfew. I clearly stated that Mr President directed that movement be restricted from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and this is not the first time such a measure has been applied,” he explained.

The FCT, with over 1.5 million registered voters, is electing chairmen and councillors across its six area councils—Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali. A total of 68 elective positions are being contested, comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions.