Tinubu speaks on FCT, Kano, Rivers elections, warns against intimidation

 

President Bola Tinubu has called for calm, orderliness and professionalism ahead of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Rivers States, urging security agencies to exercise restraint and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The President’s message was conveyed in a statement issued Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the Independent National Electoral Commission will conduct elections across the six area councils of the FCT, alongside bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies in Rivers State, as well as Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.

President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to participate peacefully, assuring them of the Federal Government’s commitment to credible polls.

“Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections,” he said.

He stressed that democracy flourishes best in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect, appealing to political actors to avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the process.

The President specifically warned against violence and inflammatory rhetoric.

He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to “shun violence, inflammatory statements, and actions that undermine the credibility of the process.”

In a pointed message to security agencies, Tinubu cautioned against overreach and voter suppression, emphasizing that their constitutional role is to safeguard the democratic exercise.

He warned against “any form of high-handedness, intimidation, or actions that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust,” stressing that security personnel are deployed to protect lives, property and the sanctity of the ballot.

The President also tasked INEC with ensuring operational efficiency and transparency throughout the exercise. He called on the Commission to boost voter confidence through “timely accreditation, smooth voting processes, accurate collation, and prompt transmission of results,” in compliance with the 2026 Electoral Act.

Expressing optimism about the outcome of the polls, Tinubu commended residents of the affected areas for their civic engagement.

“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” the President added.

Saturday’s elections are seen as a key test of institutional readiness and public trust in Nigeria’s evolving electoral framework.