Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to construct a new headquarters for the commission in Abuja.
Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the design and construction of the proposed building, Yakubu clarified that this would not be the first time the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) would undertake such a project for INEC.
“When the commission relocated from Lagos to Abuja, it was the FCDA that provided the initial offices in Garki,” he said.
Yakubu explained that the current headquarters was severely overstretched in terms of facilities and capacity.
“From offices to meeting rooms, and even spaces for stakeholder engagements, everything is overstretched,” he noted.
“Our general staff meetings are now held outside the commission. The FCDA had to build the current headquarters when the old one could no longer meet our needs.”
He added that this would be the fourth time in 34 years that the FCDA is providing accommodation for the commission.
On Monday, Minister Wike announced the plan while unveiling the Mabushi Bus Terminal.
“Today is for the commissioning of the Mabushi Bus Terminal. We will also flag off the construction of the new INEC HQ. We are eagerly waiting to welcome Mr President,” Wike posted on X.
However, the move has sparked criticism from many Nigerians, who describe it as ill-timed and unnecessary.
Critics argue that building a new INEC headquarters barely a year after Wike gifted houses to judges sends the wrong message amid prevailing economic challenges.
Despite the backlash, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly endorsed the minister’s initiative.
