The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as interference by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing Area Council elections in Abuja.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party criticized Wike’s movement around various polling units in the FCT under what it termed the guise of “monitoring.”
According to the ADC, the minister’s actions amount to direct interference in the electoral process, arguing that as a cabinet member and known partisan figure, he has no constitutional role in the conduct of the election.
The party further stated that Wike is not a registered voter in the FCT, insisting that his presence at active polling units risks intimidating voters and electoral officials.
“Wike’s ‘monitoring’ exercise, after unilaterally imposing a curfew on potential voters, represents direct interference in the election,” the statement read, describing his presence during voting as “vexatious and meddlesome.”
The ADC also alleged incidents of voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the FCT, claiming that some security personnel were collaborating with agents of the ruling party.
In addition, the party raised concerns over disruptions to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which it said was inaccessible while results were being collated.
“We find this a curious coincidence and call on INEC to urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption,” the statement added.
The ADC urged its agents and supporters to remain calm but vigilant, advising them to document any irregularities observed at polling units across the FCT.
The party reiterated its commitment to defending what it described as the sanctity of the electoral process as collation continues.