President Bola Tinubu has called for peaceful and orderly conduct during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State, and Rivers State.
In a statement released on Friday through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged security agencies to exercise restraint and tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
“President Tinubu encourages all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasizing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect,” the statement read.
He appealed to voters, security personnel, and INEC officials to perform their duties professionally and without intimidation. Tinubu also called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory rhetoric, or any actions that could undermine the credibility of the polls.
The President warned security agencies against high-handedness or conduct that could disenfranchise voters, stressing their role is to safeguard lives and property while protecting the integrity of the ballot.
Tinubu further urged INEC to ensure timely accreditation, smooth voting procedures, accurate collation, and prompt transmission of results, in line with the Electoral Act 2026. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
The elections are scheduled across six area councils in the FCT, alongside bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II in Rivers State, and Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
Ahead of the elections, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declared Friday a work-free day and announced a movement restriction from 8 pm on Friday to 6 pm on Saturday to allow residents to travel to their communities to vote. Wike urged voters to exercise their democratic rights responsibly and in an orderly manner.
“The election of new or returning chairmen and councillors is a crucial moment. We must show the world that the FCT electorate is mature, responsible, and capable of conducting itself with dignity,” Wike said. He thanked President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, highlighting the administration’s commitment to transparent and credible elections.
The President’s directive aims to ensure that voters can participate fully, safely, and freely while maintaining public order across all affected areas.
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