2027: FCTA set to build new INEC headquarters in Abuja

DDM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate the construction of a new national headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the groundbreaking event is part of activities lined up by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to commemorate President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.

The ceremony is expected to take place on Tuesday at the proposed site in Maitama.

According to top sources within the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the project is being undertaken by the FCTA and is expected to run into several billions of naira.

Although full details of the new INEC complex remain undisclosed, officials said the building project is in line with the FCTA’s tradition of constructing and maintaining federal government properties within the capital city.

An insider from the FCDA explained that the FCTA had previously overseen the development of structures like the National Assembly, the Presidential Villa, and several ministry headquarters.

However, the source acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding INEC’s neutrality, noting that political observers might question the intention behind the executive branch building an electoral commission office.

“But because INEC is a sensitive body, I know that people, especially politicians, will raise some concerns,” the source said.

“However, I am not sure the aim is to influence the electoral body.”

Concerns over budget transparency have also emerged.

A director at the FCDA, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that although the National Assembly has approved the 2025 FCTA budget, it is still awaiting presidential assent.

The detailed financial breakdown, including the allocation for the INEC headquarters project, is yet to be released publicly.

This development follows recent criticisms directed at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for constructing residential quarters for judges in Abuja’s Mabushi district.

Critics alleged that the move was aimed at currying judicial favor, an accusation the minister flatly denied.

Responding to the fresh controversy, Lere Olayinka, Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, confirmed that the INEC headquarters construction is indeed an FCTA initiative.

Olayinka explained that all federal buildings within Abuja fall under the jurisdiction of the FCTA, including the National Assembly complex.

When pressed for the cost of the INEC project, Olayinka declined to provide figures, stating that details would be revealed at the official flag-off.

Meanwhile, legal opinions have been divided over the FCTA’s decision to construct the new electoral commission building.

Obioma Ezenwobodo, a legal practitioner, supported the move, noting that INEC, though constitutionally independent, still operates under the executive arm.

“There is nothing wrong for an executive body to build a house for INEC to carry out its job,” he said.

However, another lawyer, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, expressed concerns over the necessity of the project.

He described the construction as wasteful, cautioning that public funds should be spent judiciously and with clear accountability.

“I do not see any necessity for the FCTA to do that for INEC,” Jimoh stated. “Such spending should be with accountability and a good conscience.”

The project is bound to spark debate among civil society groups, opposition parties, and the general public over the implications for INEC’s independence.

INEC has not officially commented on the project or disclosed whether it made the request for a new facility.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with public sector spending priorities, the coming weeks may reveal how the government intends to balance infrastructural expansion with public trust in key democratic institutions.

The unveiling of the project details, including timelines, funding mechanisms, and contractor selection, is expected to shed more light on the motivations behind this high-profile initiative.

DDM will continue to monitor developments surrounding the project and public reactions as the flag-off date approaches.

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