Issued: Friday, 20 February, 2026
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) strongly condemns the arbitrary declaration of a public holiday by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for Friday, 20 February, purportedly to enable residents to participate in the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, 21 February.
While encouraging citizen participation in elections is a legitimate and important objective, governance actions must be measured, lawful, consultative, and proportionate. The sudden declaration of a public holiday — accompanied by an effective shutdown of the city from Friday evening into Saturday evening — has created widespread inconvenience for residents, businesses, students, and workers across the Federal Capital Territory.
Rather than fostering confidence in the electoral process, this action has generated avoidable frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty. Elections are civic exercises that should be conducted in an atmosphere of calm, openness, and normalcy — not under conditions that resemble emergency restrictions or extraordinary state control.
PLAC notes that:
No clear legal or administrative justification has been publicly provided for the sweeping nature of the shutdown.
Residents and business operators were given insufficient notice to plan adequately.
The closure of economic and administrative activities disrupts livelihoods and essential services.
Such measures risk creating a climate of apprehension ahead of what should be a routine local government election.
Democratic participation is strengthened by trust, not compulsion; by transparency, not abrupt executive directives. Citizens should be encouraged to vote through public education, logistical efficiency, and visible security neutrality — not through measures that may be perceived as heavy-handed or politically charged.
The Federal Capital Territory is the seat of Nigeria’s democracy. Actions taken within it must reflect the highest standards of democratic governance and institutional restraint.
PLAC therefore calls for:
- Immediate clarification of the legal basis and scope of the holiday declaration and shutdown measures.
- Assurance from relevant authorities that electoral security arrangements will remain neutral and non-intimidating.
- Future electoral preparations to be conducted through early planning, stakeholder consultation, and minimal disruption to civic and economic life.
The FCT Area Council elections should serve as a model of democratic maturity, not a source of civic tension. Residents deserve a peaceful, orderly, and confidence-building electoral environment. PLAC remains committed to promoting electoral integrity, constitutionalism, and accountable governance in Nigeria.
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SIGNED:
Clement Nwankwo
Executive Director
Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC)
