FCT Area Council Elections: ADC Kicks Against ‘Premature’ Curfew, Alleges Voter Suppression

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it described as a premature curfew declaration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.

In a statement issued on Friday, the party faulted the decision to impose movement restrictions from 8:00 p.m., as announced by the FCT Administration under the leadership of Nyesom Wike.

The ADC said the move raises serious questions about the commitment of authorities to conducting a free, fair and credible electoral process.

According to the party, while limited restrictions on movement on election day may be understandable for security and logistical reasons, established democratic practice is for such measures to begin at midnight on the day of the election not several hours earlier.

The ADC warned that enforcing a curfew on the eve of the polls could significantly disrupt voter movement, discourage participation and create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents of the Federal Capital Territory.

It stressed that elections must be conducted in an environment that is not only secure but also visibly open, transparent and accessible to all eligible voters.

Residents of Abuja, the party noted, should be able to travel safely to their polling units, remain there until the voting process is concluded and return home without harassment, intimidation or arbitrary restrictions.

The party therefore registered its strong objection to what it termed a premature and unjustified restriction on movement and called on the authorities to immediately review the decision in the interest of democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful participation in the elections, the ADC urged security agencies to act professionally, impartially and strictly in accordance with the law.