By Remi Johnson
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially launched the construction of a new annex headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, after a decade of the Commission’s appeal for expansion.
Speaking at the event, President Bola Tinubu emphasized that the initiative depicts “the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.”.
According to him, the groundbreaking ceremony signals a renewed drive to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and enhance the Commission’s operational efficiency.
He noted that the new headquarters is designed to address the infrastructural inadequacies of INEC’s current facility, which has been overstretched for years.
He said the modern complex’s capacity and features include a 1,000-seat auditorium, advanced IT infrastructure, training rooms, and a digital museum to chronicle the country’s electoral journey.
“This new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth,” Tinubu declared. “We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped, not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy, and resources, to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.”
President Tinubu commended Nyesom Wike for taking another bold step in ensuring the protection of the nation’s democracy by initiating the laudable project.
He pointed out that the move is a prayer answered to the over ten years of appeals by INEC for expanded office space, expected to address the space challenge.
President Tinubu also used the occasion to urge contractors and project managers to ensure high standards and timely delivery. “You are not just building a headquarters, you are building trust in our nation,”
“Democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedoms, and protect the future.”
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who also spoke at the event, described the occasion as “a special occasion” and a pivotal moment in the Commission’s evolution.
“Our present national headquarters is severely congested,” he explained. “We were compelled to rent two additional buildings in Wuse Zone II to ease the situation. The completion of this annex will not only provide needed relief but enable the Commission to function more effectively.”
Yakubu clarified that the new structure, when completed, would complement the main building. “For me personally, after almost ten years of persistent effort, this is finally a reality.”
Also, FCT Minister, Dr. Nyesom Wike, traced the history of FCDA’s involvement in addressing INEC’s accommodation issues, noting that this would be the third office complex provided by the administration in 34 years.
The event drew attendance from key stakeholders, including S Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, INEC national commissioners, political party leaders, civil society actors, and members of the diplomatic and development communities.
INEC’s current headquarters, inaugurated in 1997 and originally designed for 500 staff and eight commission members, now accommodates over 1,000 personnel, 13 full-time commissioners, and 22 departments.