BREAKING: President Tinubu Reacts as Wike Moves to Build Fresh Secretariat for INEC

President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the commencement of a new annex office for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), initiated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The new INEC secretariat, which will be located along Zambezi Crescent in Abuja, is aimed at addressing the commission’s long-standing need for expanded office space.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Tinubu praised the FCT Minister for the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to democratic development.
“By initiating this project, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken another important step towards protecting democracy in this country. I say thank you very much,” the president said.

At the event, the president also said his administration is committed to INEC’s transparency.
He said: “Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar but about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institution and the future of our electoral integrity.
“INEC has been and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey, It’s role in conducting free, fair, election is central to the trust in their government and in our democratic process.
“For this reason, it’s only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects the dignity, responsibility, and national significance of that institution.
“The new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth to provide not just a home but a conducive hub for planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.
“Our democracy is still evolving and as it’s growing, so too is the institution that supports and protects it, 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.”
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration for the intervention, noting that the commission has faced severe space limitations as it continues to expand its operations.
While the move has received commendation from government quarters, it has also sparked criticism from some observers. Questions have been raised about the timing of the project, particularly as Wike remains a key political ally of President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development follows a similar controversy last year when Wike oversaw the donation of residential buildings to judicial officers in the FCT — a gesture that drew criticism over perceived political undertones.

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.