The African Democratic Congress has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his visits to polling centres in Abuja during the Area Council elections on Saturday.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the minister’s action as interference in the electoral process. It also raised concerns about possible voter intimidation.
“The African Democratic Congress strongly condemns the movement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, around various polling units in Abuja under the guise of monitoring.
“Wike’s monitoring exercise, after unilaterally imposing a curfew on potential voters, represents direct interference in the election,” the statement reads.
The party further stated that Wike “is not a registered voter in the FCT, and as a known partisan and cabinet minister, he has no constitutional role in the exercise.”
The ADC pointed to alleged cases of voter suppression and intimidation. It mentioned “alleged collaboration between APC agents and some security personnel.” The party advised its agents and supporters to “remain calm but vigilant, and to document all incidents.”
It also expressed worry over the state of the INEC Result Viewing Portal. According to the statement, it “has remained inaccessible even as results are being collated.” The party urged the commission to “urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption.”
The ADC described the minister’s presence at polling centres during voting as “vexatious and meddlesome.” It warned that such actions “risks intimidating voters and officials.” The party called on residents to report any irregularities to protect the credibility of the elections.
Earlier, videos circulated by Wike’s media aide, Olayinka Lere, showed the minister at polling units in Karu, Karshi and Garki.
After his visits, Wike said the exercise was peaceful. He commended security agencies for their conduct. He added that turnout was “quite impressive” in satellite towns, although participation appeared low in the city centre.
