Ahead of the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day and announced a restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday.

Wike made the announcement in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urging residents of the FCT to come out en-masse to vote for candidates of their choice.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social-Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, stating that the election of either new or returning chairmen and councillors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, just as he urged electorates to come out in their numbers to exercise their right to vote.

He further asked the electorates to exercise their democratic right in an orderly and lawful manner, putting in mind respect the outcome of the election.

Meanwhile, Wike revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm on Friday, February 20 to 6pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, stressing that all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair and transparent.

“My dear residents, democracy has always been a work in progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by continually reviewing the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process.

“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and vote for the candidates of your choice.