FCT Polls: ‘I have the right,’ Wike defends curfew

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the curfew imposed ahead of the February 21 area council elections, insisting he acted within his powers and did not influence the outcome of the polls.

Speaking during a media chat at his office on Monday, Wike said as the “governor of the FCT,” he has the authority to declare security measures, including a curfew.

He also stated that the action was approved by President Bola Tinubu, dismissing claims that it was a unilateral decision.

“I have the right, I am the governor of 3,000 polling units. For security, I have to find out what is going on. I don’t have to be told, I am not a candidate for the election,” Wike said.

Responding to criticism over his movement across parts of the territory during the polls, the former Rivers State governor argued that visiting a few polling units could not have affected the election outcome.

“FCT has not less than 3,000 polling units. Assuming I went to 10 polling units to check what was going on, how will it affect 3,000 polling units?” he queried.

“As a candidate, I cannot move around. I must have my agents. As the Chief Security Officer, I have a right to have a view of what is going on. How does it affect or influence the election?”