President Bola Tinubu has appealed for calm and discipline as voters head to the polls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State and Rivers State this Saturday.
In a statement issued through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President called on citizens, security agencies and electoral officials to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and credible atmosphere.
Tinubu encouraged eligible voters to participate without fear, stressing that democracy flourishes where tolerance, respect and order prevail.
He emphasised that the integrity of the electoral process depends not only on institutions, but also on the conduct of political actors and the electorate.
The President cautioned security agencies against intimidation, excessive force or actions capable of discouraging voter turnout.
According to him, their responsibility is to maintain peace, protect lives and secure the ballot—not to interfere with the democratic choice of citizens.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinforce public trust by ensuring smooth accreditation, efficient voting procedures, accurate collation and timely transmission of results in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting institutions tasked with delivering free and fair elections, expressing confidence that the outcome of the polls would reflect the will of the people.
The elections would cover area council polls in the FCT, as well as bye-elections in selected constituencies in Kano and Rivers states.
Ahead of the vote, the FCT administration announced measures aimed at ensuring order.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declared Friday a work-free day to allow residents travel to their respective communities to participate in the elections.
He also announced a restriction of movement within the territory from 8 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday, with security agencies directed to enforce compliance.
In a broadcast to residents, Wike urged voters to approach the exercise with responsibility and maturity, calling on them to respect electoral rules and accept the outcome of the polls.
He further commended President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing it as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Saturday’s elections are widely seen as an important gauge of Nigeria’s evolving electoral reforms and the ability of institutions to deliver transparent outcomes.
With political tensions often heightened during off-cycle contests, the President’s appeal underscores concerns about maintaining public order and sustaining confidence in the process.
