It expressed concerns over the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to implement a curfew from 8pm on Friday, a full day before the election.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed serious concerns over the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration’s declaration of a premature curfew in Abuja ahead of Saturday’s elections.
In a statement by the party spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the decision to impose restrictions on movement a day before the polls as “a blatant move to suppress voter turnout, having realised that it stood no chance in the election.”
The ADC acknowledged that “while some restrictions on movements on election day may be justified, the conventional practice is for such restrictions to commence at midnight on election day.”
It expressed concerns over the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to implement a curfew from 8pm on Friday, a full day before the election.
“We are therefore concerned by the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to impose a curfew on the FCT from 8pm on Friday. The ADC will therefore like to register our strong objections to this premature restriction on movement,” the statement added.
The party emphasised the importance of conducting elections in an environment that is “not only safe but also visibly free and open to all eligible voters.”
It called on authorities to ensure that Abuja residents can travel to their polling units, remain there until the voting process is concluded, and return home “without fear of harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary restriction of movement.”
ADC officials argued that early curfews and movement restrictions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, potentially discouraging voters from participating.
"Any action that limits access to polling stations or creates the perception of intimidation is a direct threat to the credibility of the elections,” the party warned.
The statement also urged the FCT administration to adhere to established electoral norms, emphasising that voters’ rights to free and unrestricted movement during election periods must be respected.
ADC leaders stressed that ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process is critical for strengthening democracy in the FCT and across the country.
As Abuja prepares for the polls, political parties and civil society groups are closely monitoring government directives to safeguard electoral integrity and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
The ADC has reiterated its call for authorities to review the curfew timing, highlighting that elections must remain accessible to all eligible voters without undue restrictions.
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