FCT Election Holiday Sparks Legal, Voter Participation Concerns — PLAC

By Julian Osamoto

The sudden declaration of a public holiday ahead of the 2026 FCT Area Council elections has triggered legal and civic concerns, with policy advocates warning the move could discourage voter participation and create unnecessary anxiety.

Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Dr. Clement Nwankwo, while speaking with journalists in Abuja, said residents were unsettled by the late-night announcement of a work-free day ordered by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

Dr. Nwankwo said authorities gave residents little time to adjust plans. “Citizens are worrid about the arbitrary and sudden declaration of a public holiday, giving no notice and creating anxiety ahead of an election people want to participate in,” he said.

He argued that announcing a holiday just hours before polling day disrupted daily activities, including school programmes, banking, medical care and other urgent needs.

PLAC questioned the legal authority for declaring the holiday without explanation, stressing that the directive was issued without citing a law or policy that justified shutting down the Federal Capital Territory.

“It is not usual to declare a holiday overnight ahead of elections. We do not see a legal basis for creating an emergency atmosphere a few hours to an election,” he said.

Dr. Nwankwo explained that voters want to cast their ballots and return to normal routines, noting that long shutdowns could discourage participation. “Shutting down a major city creates fear and anxiety. It does not encourage voter turnout,” he said.

According to PLAC described the decision as unprecedented in Abuja and warned against setting a negative precedent for future elections.

He urged authorities to reduce movement restrictions and reconsider the directive. “Hours of restriction should be reduced. People should vote and return to their duties. This practice should not happen again,” he said.

The FCT Area Council elections will take place across six councils, Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, with voters electing chairmanship and councillorship candidates.

Election stakeholders have already raised concerns over voter apathy, logistics and security, making public confidence a key issue ahead of the polls.

The maintained that election credibility depends not only on voting procedures but also on public trust and clear communication from authorities.