Wike commends security, INEC over smooth FCT polls

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended the peaceful conduct of the chairmanship and councillorship elections across the six area councils of the territory.

Wike, who monitored the exercise at several polling units, expressed satisfaction with voter participation in satellite towns, noting that turnout in city centres remained low — a trend he described as consistent with previous off-cycle elections.

He cited polling units such as Ketti Primary School as examples of strong participation and stressed that the most important outcome of the exercise was the absence of violence, ballot snatching or disruptions.

The minister also praised the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, stating that the process had so far remained orderly and professional.

On the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, he said early indications suggested the technology was functioning effectively, adding that full assessment would follow vote counting.

Responding to criticism from FCT senator Ireti Kingibe over movement restrictions during the election, Wike clarified that the measure was implemented with presidential approval and was not a personal directive.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding until the process concludes and called for collective efforts to prevent any attempt to disrupt the elections. Polling areas visited by the minister included Garki, Garki Village, Karu, Karshi, Wasa, Kabusa, Sheretti and Ketti.