Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the declaration of a public holiday and restrictions on citizen movement during the recent FCT Area Council elections.

In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Falana argued that Wike lacked the legal authority to declare a public holiday or limit residents’ mobility. He stressed that, under Nigerian law, only the President, the Minister of Interior, and state governors can declare federal or state holidays.

Responding to Falana, Wike told journalists in Abuja that the SAN should verify facts before making public comments. The minister explained that the restrictions had the President’s approval due to security concerns about groups allegedly planning to bring hoodlums into the FCT during the polls.

Falana, however, dismissed Wike’s explanation as illegal and unconstitutional, citing Section 160(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) exclusive authority to regulate elections without presidential interference.

The legal luminary also challenged Wike on his personal compliance, questioning whether the minister, who is not a registered voter in the FCT, adhered to the same movement restrictions he imposed on residents. He asked whether the public holiday was actually covered by the presidential approval and if Wike’s actions interfered with the electoral process, including allegedly questioning electoral officers.

Falana concluded that Wike’s declaration of a public holiday and restriction of movement during the FCT elections was beyond his constitutional powers, stressing that such actions undermine citizens’ rights and the legality of the electoral process.

The dispute highlights ongoing debates about ministerial overreach, election legality in Nigeria, and the protection of citizens’ rights during local elections.