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By Oscar Okhifo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the imposition of a pre-election curfew in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that the move could hinder voter participation ahead of Saturday’s polls.
The party urged authorities to ensure that residents can exercise their voting rights without unnecessary restrictions.
In a statement on Friday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Malam Bolaji Abdullahi described the early curfew as “unusual” and “capable of affecting turnout,” stressing that such restrictions typically begin at midnight on election day, not the night before.
The party accused the government of attempting “to suppress voter turnout, having realised that it stood no chance in the election.”
While acknowledging that movement restrictions during elections are not uncommon, the ADC said such measures are usually enforced from midnight on election day.
The statement specifically referenced the directive by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who announced a curfew starting at 8 p.m. on Friday across the territory.
“We are therefore concerned by the decision of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to impose a curfew from 8 p.m. on Friday.
The ADC strongly objects to this premature restriction on movement,” the statement added.
The party stressed the importance of maintaining both security and openness during the electoral process, noting that confidence in the system depends on voters’ ability to participate freely.
“Elections must be conducted in an atmosphere that is not only safe but also visibly free and open to all eligible voters.
“Abuja residents must be able to travel safely to their polling units, remain there until voting concludes, and return home without fear of harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary restrictions,” it said.
The controversy has intensified debates over how to balance security with the need to guarantee unrestricted voter participation, as authorities and political parties in the FCT prepare for Saturday’s elections.