Tinubu Flags Off Construction of New
…Commends Wike’s Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment to Electoral Credibility
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, laid the foundation for the construction of a new national headquarters annex for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a powerful testament to Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to democracy, institutional strength, and credible elections.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja, President Tinubu said the project was more than just a physical development—it represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“This ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar,” he declared. “It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.”
He stressed that INEC remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s democratic journey, and pledged that his administration would continue to empower the Commission not only with improved infrastructure but also through supportive legislation, policy reforms, and adequate resources.
“We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped—in infrastructure, in law, in policy, and in resources—to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence,” he said.
President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for playing a key role in initiating and advancing the project. “The FCT Minister has taken another bold step in ensuring the protection of our democracy by initiating this laudable project. I salute his courage, and I am indeed proud of him,” the President said.
He also applauded the past and present leadership of INEC for their resilience and commitment despite operational challenges. Urging all contractors and stakeholders to adhere to the highest standards, Tinubu said: “Let quality, speed, and integrity guide your work. You are not just building a headquarters—you are building trust in our nation.”
Wike Sets the Record Straight
In his remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike clarified that the project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2025, not by the FCT Administration. “Mr. President, let me correct an impression: this project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council, not the FCT. We, through the FCDA, are only supervising the execution,” Wike explained.
The minister noted that the INEC Annex is part of a wider effort to address critical infrastructure needs in the capital, following President Tinubu’s directive to revamp public institutions. He listed other ongoing projects, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the renovation of National Assembly chambers, and housing initiatives for the judiciary.
Promising to ensure timely delivery, Wike said: “Mr. President, I assure you this structure will receive all the attention it needs. With the support you’ve given us, we will make sure the contractor delivers.”
In a fiery aside, Wike warned the project contractor to take the job seriously. “I don’t know where he comes from, but by the time he finishes, he’ll know that we don’t joke with work. He will stay under the sun and rain to justify the money we are paying,” he said.
INEC Chairman: “A Decade-Long Dream Comes True”
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for not only approving the project but personally attending the groundbreaking event.
“For a long time, the Commission has been grappling with the problem of inadequate office accommodation,” Yakubu revealed, explaining that the current headquarters, commissioned in 1997, was originally designed for 500 staff. Today, the Commission has over 1,048 employees, 13 full-time commissioners, and 22 departments, leading to severe congestion.
“We have even had to rent two buildings in Wuse just to cope with the growing number of staff and functions,” he said.
The INEC chairman recalled years of failed attempts to resolve the issue until the FCT Minister intervened. “Sometime last year, the Minister of the FCT came to the rescue. Over the last 10 years, we made every effort to alleviate the situation, but this is the first real breakthrough,” he noted.
Yakubu also acknowledged the historical support of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stating that this was the third time in 34 years that FCDA would be intervening to provide or enhance INEC’s office accommodation.
State-of-the-Art Electoral Facility
The new annex, according to the INEC Chairman, will include a 1,000-seat auditorium, cutting-edge IT facilities like the Election Monitoring and Support Center, dedicated office spaces, stakeholder meeting rooms, and a museum of Nigeria’s electoral history.
“This annex will be more than just office space—it will be a learning and innovation hub. It will serve as a resource centre for students, scholars, and citizens to better understand the evolution of our electoral system,” Yakubu said. “For me, this is a very, very special occasion. After almost 10 years of persistent effort, the construction of the INEC Annex building is finally a reality.”
Symbol of Democratic Maturity
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by top government officials, INEC commissioners, and diplomatic observers, underscores the Tinubu administration’s drive to strengthen democratic institutions through strategic investment and leadership collaboration.
With its planned modern facilities and expanded capacity, the new INEC headquarters annex is poised to become a landmark of electoral credibility and transparency—reflecting the administration’s vision of a more secure, efficient, and independent electoral body ahead of future national elections.
