Nyesom Wike has defended the curfew imposed during the February 21 area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying the decision was taken for security reasons and did not influence the outcome of the polls.
Speaking at his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said he has the authority to impose a curfew, describing himself as the “governor of 3,000 polling units” — a reference to the number of polling centres in the FCT.
He explained that the restriction was necessary to monitor security developments during the elections and ensure order. According to him, his role as chief security officer of the FCT gives him the responsibility to assess situations on the ground.
Wike dismissed claims that his movements during the election affected the voting process, arguing that visiting a limited number of polling units could not impact thousands of others across the territory.
He further stated that as a non-candidate in the election, he was not campaigning but only observing security and electoral conditions through appropriate channels and representatives.
