Wike Faces Stern Warning Over Alleged Election Rigging Plot in Abuja
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been issued a strong warning against an alleged scheme to manipulate the area council election scheduled for Saturday, February 21. The caution came from Paul Moses, a candidate representing the African Democratic Congress, who appeared in a viral video addressing the minister directly.
Viral Video Sparks National Conversation
The circulating footage shows Moses delivering a pointed message to Wike, emphasizing that the Abuja Municipal Area Council cannot be compared to Obia-Akpor, which is Wike's home local government in Rivers State. In his statement, Moses declared, "Tell Wike AMAC is not the Obia-Akpor, he cannot write votes in here, we own this city." This video has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing skepticism about the ADC candidate's electoral prospects.
Significance of Abuja Area Council Elections
Unlike other Nigerian states that have elected governors and legislative assemblies, the Federal Capital Territory operates under a ministerial administration appointed directly by the president. This structural difference elevates the importance of area council elections in Abuja, as these councils represent the closest elected bodies to residents. They manage critical local services including road maintenance, water supply, healthcare facilities, sanitation programs, and educational institutions, making their decisions immediately impactful on daily life.
Nigerian Public Reacts to Candidate's Warning
The political outburst from Moses has generated diverse responses from Nigerian citizens:
- Abdul-Fatai (Omo Oshodi) questioned Moses's understanding of local government roles, suggesting he might be more focused on content creation than governance.
- Eromosele challenged the candidate's political strategy, emphasizing that elections require more than emotional appeals.
- Sokratis criticized the contradictory nature of Moses's statement, noting that claiming ownership of the city while warning against result manipulation seemed inconsistent.
- Yung expressed concern about Wike's historical approach to elections, suggesting the minister has previously controlled result declaration processes.
- Talker.io acknowledged Moses's boldness but questioned whether he has sufficient voter support to translate enthusiasm into electoral success.
Election Preparations and Security Measures
In preparation for the area council elections, Minister Wike has implemented several administrative measures. With presidential approval, he declared Friday, February 20, as a work-free day across the territory. Additionally, movement restrictions will be enforced from 8 PM on Friday through 6 PM on Saturday to ensure secure and transparent voting processes. These announcements were formally communicated through national television and radio broadcasts on Thursday, February 19, aiming to facilitate resident participation in electing chairmen and councilors across all six area councils.
The electoral process continues to draw national attention as Abuja residents prepare to select their local representatives, with political tensions highlighting the significance of these elections in Nigeria's capital territory.
