FCT Polls: CISLAC, TMG Slam Conflicting Movement Bans, Warn Of Rigging Fears
When rules around elections become unclear, trust is often the first casualty. Civil society groups say that is exactly the risk facing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) have condemned the restriction of movement announced for the polls, warning that conflicting directives from authorities could fuel suspicion of electoral manipulation.
In a statement signed by CISLAC Executive Director and TMG Chair, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the groups criticised what they described as poor coordination among government and security agencies.
They noted that movement restrictions on election day traditionally run between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., questioning the justification for an extended lockdown.
The groups warned that the prolonged restriction has heightened public suspicion, with some Nigerians linking it to possible rigging.
CISLAC and TMG stressed that elections are not a war and should not be treated as such, adding that residents observing Ramadan must not be prevented from carrying out religious obligations.
They said citizens should be free to pray, buy essential items, and attend to their daily needs, especially amid economic hardship, when many people rely on daily earnings to feed their families.
The groups also pointed to a troubling lack of coordination: while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced a restriction from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the FCT Police Commissioner, Miller G. Dantawaye, declared a separate restriction from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
According to CISLAC and TMG, the conflicting timelines undermine public confidence and create confusion.
They called on authorities to harmonise their positions, communicate clearly with residents, and balance electoral security with citizens’ rights to movement and worship.
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