Abuja, February 21, 2026 — Remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have sparked controversy ahead of the ongoing area council elections across the nation’s capital.

Speaking at a rally on Friday, Wike urged voters to support candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that they were individuals who “can talk to me.” The comment has since drawn mixed reactions, with critics suggesting it could be interpreted as undue influence in the electoral process.

The elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are taking place across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A total of 1.68 million registered voters are expected to elect chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.

Some political observers and opposition voices have expressed concern that Wike’s remarks may imply potential interference at collation centers, referencing controversies from his tenure as governor of Rivers State. However, other commentators have described the statement as typical campaign rhetoric common in Nigerian politics.

Voting commenced at approximately 8:30 a.m., with INEC deploying biometric accreditation machines and promising electronic transmission of results to enhance transparency. While minor complaints have been reported in some polling units, no major disruptions have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Early observations suggest relatively low voter turnout in several locations. Civil society organizations have called for heightened vigilance, particularly in identified hotspots, urging stakeholders to ensure that the electoral process remains free, fair, and credible.