President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s electoral system and democratic institutions.
The President made this declaration on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, while flagging off the design and construction of a new annex for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Tinubu described the project as more than just a physical structure, calling it a “hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.”
His remarks were contained in a statement signed by Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director, Press, Office of the Hon. Minister.
He noted that Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve and that it is crucial to strengthen the institutions that safeguard it.
“We are fully committed to supporting INEC not just with infrastructure, but with the legal frameworks, policies, and resources it needs to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage and excellence,” Tinubu said.
The President also applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, describing it as “another important step towards the protection of our democracy in this country.”
He lauded Wike’s vision, courage, and dedication to national development, and expressed appreciation to INEC staff for their tireless commitment to electoral integrity.
President Tinubu reminded citizens that democracy is a continuous journey, not a destination, and called for a shared commitment to building institutions that protect Nigeria’s future and freedoms.
Also speaking, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, thanked President Tinubu and Minister Wike for making the project possible.
He said the commission had been grappling with serious space constraints at its current headquarters, which forced it to rent additional offices.
“This new annex, designed by our technical department, will significantly ease those operational pressures and complement our existing building,” Yakubu said.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike confirmed that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in March 2025.
He explained that the FCT Administration, through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), would oversee its execution.
Wike assured the President that the project would be delivered within his first term, saying:
“I want to assure you that this structure will be given all the time it requires to see that during your first tenure, this project is completed. With the kind of support you’ve given to us, we will make sure that the contractor delivers to justify the money that we are paying.”
Giving a technical overview, Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the project sits on 1.5 hectares of land and will feature a five-storey building.
Facilities will include: a media centre library, a museum, several meeting rooms, a security control room, an energy room, executive office suites and a 1,000-seat auditorium When completed, the annex is expected to significantly enhance INEC’s operations and reflect Nigeria’s growing demand for a more transparent and efficient electoral process.
