Nyesom Wike has dismissed criticism of election-eve movement restrictions in the nation’s capital, saying the final outcome of the Area Council polls will be the true measure of political impact.
Speaking after monitoring the elections in Abuja, Wike responded to remarks by Ireti Kingibe, who had criticised the presidential directive imposing a curfew from 8pm on Friday before the vote.
The minister clarified that the restrictions, which ran from Friday evening into Saturday, were approved by the President and not personally imposed. Expressing disappointment over the criticism, he said: “I don’t want to join issues. At the end of the election, when the results come out, then we will know.”
Reviewing the polls, Wike noted the usual pattern of lower turnout in the city centre but described participation in several satellite towns as “quite impressive”. He linked reduced urban turnout to the nature of off-cycle elections, stressing that the main achievement was the absence of unrest.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the professionalism of its staff and praised security agencies, saying no incidents of violence had been reported.
“We thank God that everywhere is peaceful,” he said, emphasising that ensuring a non-violent electoral process remained the priority.
