President Bola Tinubu has described the Independent National Electoral Commission as the pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, reaffirming his administration’s support for the commission’s autonomy and institutional capacity.
He made this statement on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of a new INEC annex office in Abuja.
According to the president, the new structure will complement the existing headquarters and reflects his government’s broader agenda to fortify democratic institutions and promote electoral integrity.
“For this reason, it is only right that such an institution is housed in a structure that reflects the dignity, responsibility and national significance of that institution,” he said.
“The new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC autonomy, capacity and growth. It will provide not just a conducive home, but a home for innovation planning, training and transparency in electoral administration.”
President Tinubu emphasized that INEC’s constitutional role in conducting credible elections underpins citizens’ trust in governance and the democratic process.
He pledged continued federal support to ensure the commission is adequately equipped to perform its mandate effectively.
He also lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project and restated his belief in sustained institutional development.
“To all Nigerians, I say this democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedom and protect the future,” he added.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, who also spoke at the ceremony, disclosed that the commission had long struggled with inadequate accommodation. He noted that the current headquarters, built in 1997, was designed to house eight commission members and about 500 staff, but has since become overcrowded.
“Today, there are 13 full-time commission members – a chairman and 12 national commissioners, 22 departments/directorates and 1,048 staff,” he stated.
Yakubu said general staff meetings now hold outside the commission, and two buildings were rented in Wuse to ease congestion. He commended both the President and the FCT administration for their intervention, and clarified that this is not the first time the FCTA has supported the commission with infrastructure.
“This is the third time in the last 34 years that the FCTA has constructed an office for the commission,” he noted. Yakubu recalled that when INEC moved from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, it was the FCTA that provided office accommodation in Garki.
He revealed that the new building will feature a museum to preserve physical and digital records of electoral history and activities. He stressed that the current INEC headquarters will remain the main national office, with the annex serving as additional operational space.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated that the construction is part of a wider initiative to renovate and build public infrastructure across the capital. He assured the president of timely completion of the project.
Earlier, Acting Executive Secretary Richard Dauda outlined the project details, stating that the annex will be located on Plot 442, Maitama District, Zambezi Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Way, and will span 1.5 hectares.
He said the scope of work includes a five-storey office building with basement parking, a media centre, library, museum, security control room, and several meeting rooms. “There will also be a 1,000-capacity auditorium on three levels, along with other ancillary facilities,” Dauda said.
