FCT Council Elections: ADC Accuses FG of Voter Suppression, Condemns Early Curfew in Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration for declaring what it calls a premature curfew in Abuja ahead of Saturday’s area council elections. The opposition party argues that the restriction on movement, announced to begin at 8pm on Friday, constitutes an indirect form of voter suppression and departs from established electoral norms.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that the early curfew could negatively affect voter turnout and public confidence in the electoral process. According to the party, while limited movement restrictions on election day are not unusual, it is conventional for such measures to commence at midnight or in the early hours of polling day—not an entire day before voting.

The ADC specifically faulted the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to enforce the curfew from Friday evening. The party said the timing of the directive was troubling and unnecessary, particularly in a city where many residents travel late in the evening to prepare for elections, relocate closer to polling units, or engage in legitimate economic activities.

“We are therefore concerned by the decision of the FCT Minister to impose a curfew on the FCT from 8pm on Friday,” the statement read. “The ADC wishes to register its strong objection to this premature restriction on movement, which risks disenfranchising voters and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.”

The party emphasised that elections must be conducted in an environment that is not only secure but also visibly free, open, and accessible to all eligible voters. According to the ADC, any policy that restricts citizens’ ability to move freely to their polling units or remain there until voting concludes could discourage participation and raise questions about the integrity of the process.

ADC officials warned that early curfews and broad movement restrictions could foster perceptions of intimidation, even if they are officially justified on security grounds. “Any action that limits access to polling stations or creates the impression of harassment or obstruction is a direct threat to the credibility of the elections,” the party said, urging authorities to tread carefully.

The party called on the FCT administration and security agencies to ensure that residents of Abuja can travel to their polling units on election day, stay throughout the voting and counting process, and return home safely without fear of arbitrary enforcement or selective application of movement rules. It also urged adherence to established electoral practices that protect voters’ rights and encourage broad participation.

Beyond immediate logistical concerns, the ADC argued that the manner in which elections are conducted in the FCT carries broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy. As the seat of government, Abuja’s elections are often viewed as a bellwether for national electoral standards. Any action perceived as heavy-handed or exclusionary, the party said, could erode trust not only in the council polls but in future elections as well.

As political parties, civil society organisations, and election observers monitor developments closely, the ADC reiterated its call for the authorities to review the timing of the curfew. The party maintained that ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness is essential for strengthening democratic governance in the FCT and across the country.

The ADC concluded by urging the Federal Government of Nigeria and the FCT administration to prioritise citizens’ fundamental rights during the electoral period, stressing that credible elections depend on both security and freedom of participation.