Wike-Led FCTA to Build New Multi-Billion Naira INEC Headquarters in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to officially launch the construction of a new national headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The project, to be located in the Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory, forms part of activities planned by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to commemorate the president’s second year in office. The ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday.

Sources within the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) confirmed that the FCTA will handle the construction, which is expected to cost billions of naira, although full project details are yet to be disclosed. A senior FCDA official noted that while the electoral commission is an independent body, the FCTA has historically been responsible for building and maintaining several federal institutions in the capital, including the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly.

Acknowledging the potential political sensitivity of the project, the source added that concerns might arise due to INEC’s critical role in the country’s democratic process, but insisted there was no intent to influence the commission’s independence. The official also noted that while the FCTA’s 2025 budget has been passed by the National Assembly, it is still awaiting presidential assent, and the full breakdown of allocations is not yet public.

The initiative has sparked debate, particularly given the recent criticism of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the construction of residential quarters for judges in Mabushi. Some opponents had accused the minister of seeking undue favour from the judiciary, a claim he strongly denied.

Speaking on the new project, Lere Olayinka, Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, confirmed that the INEC headquarters is indeed an FCTA-led initiative. He emphasized that all federal buildings in Abuja—including the National Assembly—are under the ownership and management of the FCTA.

Asked about the project’s estimated cost, Olayinka said that details would be made available at the official flag-off ceremony.

Legal experts are divided on the implications of the FCTA spearheading the construction. Lawyer Obioma Ezenwobodo argued that INEC, while constitutionally independent, remains part of the executive branch, and there is no legal issue with an executive agency overseeing the development of its infrastructure. In contrast, legal analyst Hameed Ajibola Jimoh described the project as unnecessary, calling for more prudent and transparent use of public funds.