The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of interfering in the ongoing Area Council elections in Abuja by visiting multiple polling units during active voting hours.
In a statement issued Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the minister’s movements across polling centres as a “direct interference” that could intimidate voters and electoral officials.
According to ADC, Wike’s presence at polling locations came amid what the party called restrictive measures that discouraged voter participation, raising concerns about the neutrality and credibility of the electoral process.
The party also argued that Wike is not a registered voter in the FCT and, as a serving cabinet minister with clear partisan ties, holds no constitutional role in overseeing election activities.
ADC further alleged incidents of voter suppression and intimidation, claiming that some security personnel collaborated with agents of rival political interests. It urged its supporters to remain calm while documenting and reporting any irregularities.
Beyond the minister’s visits, the party raised alarm over disruptions affecting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal, which it said was inaccessible during vote collation. ADC called on the electoral body to urgently restore the platform and explain the technical issues.
Describing Wike’s actions as “vexatious and meddlesome,” the party warned that such conduct could erode public confidence in the credibility of the elections.
Meanwhile, videos shared by the minister’s aide showed Wike touring polling units in Karu, Karshi, and Garki. Speaking afterward, the minister maintained that the elections were peaceful, praised security personnel for their conduct, and noted that voter turnout was stronger in satellite communities than in parts of the city centre.
— SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
