The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of meddling in the ongoing Area Council elections in Abuja by visiting polling units while voting was in progress.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the minister’s presence at various polling centres as a form of interference that could intimidate voters and electoral officials.
The ADC questioned the propriety of Wike’s movements across polling units, alleging that his actions followed what it termed a unilateral curfew that affected potential voters. According to the party, such developments cast doubt on the neutrality and fairness of the electoral process.
The statement maintained that Wike, who is not registered to vote in the Federal Capital Territory, has no constitutional role in supervising elections, particularly as a serving cabinet minister with partisan ties.
The party also alleged incidents of voter suppression and intimidation, claiming that agents of the All Progressives Congress worked in concert with some security personnel. It, however, urged its supporters and polling agents to remain calm, vigilant, and to properly document any irregularities observed.
In addition, the ADC expressed concern over reported disruptions to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s result viewing portal during the collation process. The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore the portal’s functionality and provide a public explanation for the technical issues.
Describing the minister’s presence at polling centres as inappropriate, the party warned that such actions could erode public trust in the credibility of the elections.
Earlier, videos shared by Wike’s media aide, Olayinka Lere, showed the minister visiting polling units in Karu, Karshi and Garki.
Reacting after the tour, Wike said the elections were largely peaceful, commending security personnel for maintaining order. He added that voter turnout appeared strong in satellite communities, though lower in parts of the city centre.
