**Restrictions on the Road to the Polls: ADC Speaks Out on FCT Election** As Nigerians head to the polls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this Saturday, a brewing storm is brewing over the government's decision to impose a curfew on Abuja. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sounded the alarm, raising concerns that this move could suppress voter turnout and undermine the democratic process. According to ADC's national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the imposition of a curfew from 8 pm on Friday is an overreach that could have far-reaching implications for the election. Typically, restrictions on movement are only imposed on election day, from midnight onwards. By bringing forward the curfew to a day before the election, the ADC fears that eligible voters may be deterred from casting their ballots. "This is a premature restriction on movement that could have serious consequences for our democracy," says Bolaji Abdullahi. "Residents of Abuja should be able to travel safely to their polling units, cast their votes, and return home without fear of harassment, obstruction, or arbitrary restriction of movement." The ADC is not alone in its concerns. In a city like Abuja, where many residents rely on public transportation to get to their polling units, the imposition of a curfew could exacerbate existing transportation challenges. This, in turn, could lead to long queues and delayed voting, undermining the credibility of the electoral process. As Nigerians head to the polls, it remains to be seen whether the government's decision to impose a curfew will be a major turning point in the election. One thing is certain, however: the ADC is not backing down from its demands for a free and fair election, with no unnecessary restrictions on movement that could suppress voter turnout. In conclusion, the ADC's concerns over the FCT election are a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring that our electoral processes are fair, transparent, and free from unnecessary restrictions. Only when we can exercise our right to vote without fear or intimidation can we truly say that our democracy is thriving.