ABUJA – Ahead of Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has cautioned against attempts to influence the electoral process through “strongman politics.”
In a public address delivered on Thursday, February 19, Adebayo emphasized that the mandate to elect local leadership rests solely with the residents of Abuja’s six area councils. His remarks were widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has recently come under fire from opposition parties for his handling of election security and logistics.
“FCT residents, not any political strongman, will determine the winners of these council polls,” Adebayo stated. He urged the electorate to remain vigilant against intimidation and backroom deals, asserting that the introduction of electronic result transmission has significantly bolstered public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The lead-up to the February 21 vote has been marked by heightening tensions. Minister Wike recently declared Friday a work-free day and announced strict movement restrictions—running from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday—citing the need for a peaceful voting environment. However, these measures have been met with skepticism by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which accused the administration of creating a “war zone” atmosphere.
Adebayo, who notably withdrew his own candidacy earlier this year to focus on broader democratic advocacy, called on voters to prioritize accountability. “The power belongs to the people,” he said, “and they must resist any attempt to subvert their collective will.”
The elections in Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali are being closely monitored by political analysts as a critical litmus test for the 2027 general elections. As the APC and PDP vie for grassroots dominance in the capital, the performance of third-party coalitions like the SDP and ADC could signal a shift in Nigeria’s traditional power dynamics.
Polling stations are expected to open at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow across all area councils.
