I am The Governor Of The FCT; I Have The Right To Move Around Amidst Curfew

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  Nyesom Wike has insisted that as the ” Governor” of the Country’s capital he has the power and authority to declare a curfew if it becomes necessary.

This is as he, however, explained that the work-free day and movement restrictions imposed on residents of the FCT during the just concluded FCT council polls were approved by President Bola  Tinubu.

Speaking at his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday March 2, 2026, Wike remained adamant that he did no wrong by engaging in an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the FCT during the council elections.

According to him, contrary to widespread insinuations and claims suggesting that he unilaterally declared curfew and imposed movement restrictions, it was the President who directed same based on the availability of some unfavourable security reports ,as well as the need to allow voters to go to their areas to participate in the exercise.

But beyond this ,Wike insisted that as the  ‘Governor’ of the FCT, with an estimated three thousand polling units, it will amount to an abdication of responsibility not to monitor the election .

” I have the rights. I am the Governor of 3000 polling units. For security, I have to find out what the situation was like. I don’t have to be told that. Iwas not a candidate for the election.

“Some people have said that I moved about on the election day. There are about 3000 polling units in the FCT. Assuming I went to 10 polling units to observe the situation, how will that affect electoral outcomes in a situation where you have no fewer than 3000 polling units? ..

“Yes as a candidate, I cannot move around; I must have my agents . But as the Chief Security Officer of the FCT, I have the right to have an over view of what was going on. How does that affect and influence the outcome of the election?”, Wike queried.

This is as he blamed the opposition for their abysmal performance during the elections.

He attributed the success recorded by the  APC during the FCT ,and by-elections in Kano and Rivers states to the sterling performance of the President Tinubu’s administration .