Wike Replies Ireti: I didn’t impose FCT curfew without Tinubu’s approval

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has insisted he did not act alone in imposing the curfew ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections, saying the directive was issued with the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

Wike’s clarification comes after FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, criticised the restriction, calling it “unacceptable in a democratic society” and accusing the minister of executive overreach.

Speaking while monitoring the elections in Garki, Karu, Karshi, Wasa, Apo, and Ketti, Wike said: “I never imposed a curfew on my own. I said with the approval of Mr. President. It is unfortunate that this was misunderstood.”

The minister had on Thursday declared Friday a work-free day and restricted movement across the FCT from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday to ensure a peaceful election.

Kingibe, in an interview on Channels Television, argued that such sweeping restrictions without stakeholder consultation infringe on the constitutional rights of residents. “The people of the FCT are citizens of a democratic republic, not subjects under a dictatorship,” she said.

Wike, however, said he would not engage in a public spat with the senator. “She has her problem, I don’t want to join issues. At the end of the election, the results will speak for themselves,” he said.

He also praised residents for their peaceful conduct, commended INEC officials and security agencies, and urged citizens to maintain order until the polls concluded. According to Wike, the elections recorded low turnout in some central areas, but “no violence has been reported yet.”