‘Vexatious and Meddlesome’ – ADC Accuses Wike of Interfering in FCT Area Council Elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of interfering in the ongoing Area Council elections in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned Wike’s movements around polling units under the guise of “monitoring,” describing his actions as a direct attempt to influence the electoral process.

The ADC argued that, as a cabinet minister and a known partisan figure, Wike has no constitutional role in the conduct of elections. The party also noted that he is not a registered voter in the FCT, warning that his presence at polling units could intimidate voters and election officials.

“Wike’s ‘monitoring’ exercise, after unilaterally imposing a curfew on potential voters, represents direct interference in the election,” the statement said. The party described the minister’s presence during voting as “vexatious and meddlesome.”

The ADC further alleged incidents of voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the FCT, claiming some security personnel were collaborating with agents of the ruling party. The party also expressed concern over disruptions to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which remained inaccessible while results were being collated.

“We find this a curious coincidence and call on INEC to urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption,” the statement added.

The ADC urged its party agents and supporters to remain calm but vigilant, and to carefully document any irregularities or incidents observed at polling units across the FCT. The party reaffirmed its commitment to defending what it described as the sanctity of the electoral process.