Wike Declares Friday Work Free In Abuja, Orders Restriction Of Movement On Saturday

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a work-free day on Friday, as well as restrictions on movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday due to the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in Abuja.

Orange reports that Wike made this known 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 their preferred candidates.

Wike also urged residents to respect the rules and the election’s outcome.

According to the statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Wike, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law, stating that it demonstrates his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent.

Wike said, “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote.

I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.

“At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.

Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, 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 always looking into 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.

“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”