The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, personally monitored voting activities during the Area Council elections across Abuja on Saturday and instructed traders still open for business to shut their shops in line with electoral regulations and movement restrictions aimed at ensuring a peaceful process, multiple news outlets report.

Wike first visited polling units at Lagos Street in Garki 2 where he observed voting and interacted with officials and voters. While at the scene he noticed some traders operating their businesses despite directives that markets and non‑essential trade should be suspended during the polls. He promptly told them to close up and comply with electoral guidelines to avoid disruption of voting activities.

“If you are a good citizen go out to vote and exercise your civic responsibility,” Wike told traders urging them to support orderly conduct of the elections and allow voters to focus on casting ballots. He also visited other polling locations including Karu Chief’s Palace to observe the voting environment and engagement of residents.

Ahead of the council elections the FCT minister had declared Friday a work‑free day and ordered a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Saturday, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of security arrangements for the polls. Authorities said essential services and accredited election officials were exempt from the movement curfew.

The elections are being held in all six area councils of the FCT with voters expected to elect chairmen and councillors. While most major markets were reportedly closed in compliance with the order, some traders and residents defied the movement restriction in parts of the territory continuing activities such as transport services and small trades along major roads, according to observers.

Security agencies are present across polling units to maintain peace and assist INEC in delivering a credible grassroots electoral process. Officials reiterated that adherence to directives and cooperation from residents and traders would help ensure the success of the polls.