How Wike Allegedly Gave Abuja Land, $50,000 to Over 29 Senior INEC Officials — Report

According to an exclusive report from Sahara Reporters, serious allegations have emerged claiming that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, facilitated the allocation of prime Abuja land and cash inducements to more than 29 senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), raising concerns about possible undue influence on Nigeria’s electoral institution.

Sources within INEC alleged that the affected officials received parcels of land within the Federal Capital Territory alongside financial inducements reportedly exceeding $50,000 each. Those named include senior commissioners, directors, and key administrative officers within the Commission.

A source quoted in the report said: “More than 29 senior INEC officials were offered parcels of land within the Federal Capital Territory, along with financial incentives reportedly exceeding $50,000 per individual.”

The individuals listed in the allegations include Mrs. Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony, Secretary to the Commission; National Commissioners Sam Olumekun, Dr. Ken Ukeagu, Mr. Haruna Mohammed, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Dr. Bala Bila, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, Prof. Sani Adam (SAN), Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, and Prof. Nwambam Aja, alongside several directors including Olawale Ibrahim S., Dr. Binta K. Mohammed, Isah Magaji Gummi, Lawrence Bayode, and Victoria Eta-Messi.

The report also alleged that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, may have indirectly benefited from a separate arrangement involving a large parcel of land reportedly exceeding 30 hectares, allegedly acquired through proxy channels.

Another insider was quoted as saying: “The land allocations initially came with Rights of Occupancy (R of O), but due to non-payment of the Certificate of Occupancy fees within the stipulated 21 days under FCT/AGIS regulations, the allocations were reportedly revoked.”

The source further claimed that efforts were later made to restore the allocations. “These steps to revalidate the expired allocations reportedly included either financial support to cover the C of O fees or the possible waiver of such fees entirely, enabling beneficiaries to retain ownership without personal cost,” the source added.

Each of the affected plots is estimated to be worth more than ₦180 million, according to the report.

Efforts by Sahara Reporters to obtain responses from the FCT Minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned. Similar attempts to reach the INEC Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, also reportedly received no response.