Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Saturday’s area council elections across the FCT were peaceful, despite concerns about low voter turnout in parts of the capital.
The elections were conducted across the six area councils of the territory.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise, Wike attributed the calm atmosphere to the efforts of security agencies.
“We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The challenge we have is low voter turnout, particularly in the city centre, and that has always been the case. But going round to some of the satellite towns, we could see that the turnout is quite impressive.
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“It is unfortunate in the city that you have a very low turnout, but in an off-cycle election like this, it is always the case. What is important is that the election is peaceful, no violence,” he said.
The minister added that security operatives performed creditably during the exercise, noting that there were no “reports of violence”.
Responding to comments by Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, who had said the minister did not consult widely before imposing a curfew for the elections, Wike dismissed claims that he personally ordered a curfew.
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He said the directive was not a personal decision.
“It is very unfortunate. She should have read my statement carefully. I never imposed a curfew. I said Mr President has said from 8 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday, that movement will be restricted, and this is not the first time,” he said.
Despite the restriction order, several residents reportedly moved freely across parts of the FCT.
Reports from NAN indicated that commercial buses, tricycles and motorcycles operated in many districts without visible hindrance.
