President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully equipped to deliver on its constitutional mandate with independence, efficiency, and integrity.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the new INEC national headquarters annex in Abuja on Tuesday, the President described the event as a bold investment in democratic infrastructure—not just in concrete, but in public trust.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar,” President Tinubu said. “It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.”
Beyond Infrastructure: A Commitment to Democratic Values
President Tinubu emphasized that the new building is a physical symbol of his government’s broader vision to equip INEC not only with facilities but with strong legal and policy frameworks that ensure credible elections.
“We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped—not just with infrastructure, but also in law, policy, and resources—to carry out its mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence,” he said.
The President hailed the project as a testament to the government’s resolve to institutionalize electoral integrity, pledging that Nigeria’s democracy would be safeguarded through strong, evolving institutions.
Wike Vows Completion Within Tinubu’s First Term
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, who is spearheading the project through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), assured that the building will be completed within President Tinubu’s first term in office.
Wike noted that the project received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval in March 2025 and forms part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda in Abuja.
“With the kind of support the President has given us, we’ll make sure that the contractor delivers,” he said.
INEC Chairman: A Dream Realized After a Decade
In an emotional address, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu described the groundbreaking as a moment of personal and institutional fulfilment, noting that it comes after nearly ten years of consistent advocacy for expanded space.
He traced the challenges of overcrowding in the current INEC headquarters—commissioned in 1997 to serve just 500 staff but now hosting over 1,000 personnel and 22 departments.
“Today, there are 13 full-time Commission members, a Chairman and 12 National Commissioners, 22 departments, and 1,048 staff. Every facility is overstretched,” he said.
The new annex, he said, is designed to meet current and future needs, including:
- A 1,000-seat auditorium
- IT-enabled facilities like the Election Monitoring and Support Center
- A digital and physical museum of electoral history, aimed at educating students and the public
Historical Partnership with FCDA
Yakubu acknowledged the FCDA’s role in providing accommodation for INEC over the decades, beginning with office spaces in Garki in 1991 and culminating in today’s landmark construction.
“This is the third time in 34 years that the FCDA is stepping in to address INEC’s accommodation needs,” he noted.
The new annex, once completed, will complement the existing headquarters, enabling the Commission to function with improved capacity and efficiency.
“You Are Building Trust” – Tinubu to Contractors
President Tinubu issued a strong charge to contractors and project stakeholders to maintain professionalism, speed, and transparency.
“You are not just building an edifice. You are building trust in our nation,” he said.
He concluded with a reminder that democracy is a shared journey, urging citizens, leaders, and institutions to collectively uphold the nation’s democratic ideals.
“Let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedoms, and protect the future,” Tinubu said.
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