Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has declared Friday, February 20 a work-free day across the territory ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Announcing the measures in a special broadcast on Thursday, Wike also imposed a movement restriction running from 8:00 PM on Friday through to 6:00 PM on Saturday — a 22-hour window designed to guarantee a secure environment for the polls.
The work-free day, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is intended to give FCT residents sufficient time to travel to their respective communities across the six area councils to vote in the elections for Chairmen and Councilors. Wike directed all law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with the movement restriction throughout the designated period.
The Minister also used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He urged FCT residents to turn out and vote with purpose and orderliness, stressing that the administration’s objective is to ensure the emergence of quality leadership capable of driving peace and prosperity across the territory.
