By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Annex Office in Abuja.
President Tinubu at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja said that the ceremony is beyond laying of blocks and mortar, but symbolizes the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.”
He stated that INEC still remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Its role in conducting elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and in our democratic processes.
The president also explained that owing to the mandate of INEC as a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility, and national significance.
“As we break ground today, we also lay a stronger foundation for democratic resilience in Nigeria.”
“This new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth. It will provide not just a home, but a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.”
“Our democracy is still evolving, and as it grows, so too must the institutions that support and protect it.”
President Tinubu gave assurance that the annex INEC office would be fully equipped —not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy, and resources — to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.
He commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for taking another bold step in ensuring the protection of our democracy by initiating this lauding project.
” I salute his courage, as I am indeed proud of him. Let me also take this moment to commend the leadership and staff of INEC — past and present — for their dedication in the face of challenges. “
President Tinubu admonished Nigerians, “To all Nigerians, I say this: democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedoms, and protect the future.”
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome Wike had put the record straight that the Abuja INEC Annex building was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in March 2025 to be supervised by the FCT through the Federal Capital Development Authority.
The minister noted that the INEC office is part of public buildings approved for renovation and construction.
“I want to assure you that this structure will be given all the time it is required to see that during your first tenure, this project is completed, that you can be assured that we’ll do that, and with the kind of support you’ve given to us, we’ll make sure that the contractor delivers.”
The INEC Chairmam, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu complained that the Commission commissioned in December 1997 has been over stretched the years with a growing number of staffs.
Prof. Yakubu stated that the Commission was originally meant to cater for eight Commission members, but that over the years the building has grappled with over population.
“Today, there are 13 full-time Commission members (a Chairman and 12 National Commissioners), 22 Departments/Directorates and 1,048 staff.” Consequently, every facility is overstretched from offices to meeting rooms for the Commission’s 15 standing Committees and other activities, including regular engagements with stakeholders. General staff meetings always take place outside the Commission.”
Mahmood disclosed that the new annex office building plan would have provision for a museum.
“Beyond these facilities, the building plan has provision for a museum to serve as a repository for the physical and digital history of elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.”
“This will afford citizens, particularly students that regularly visit the Commission on excursion, the opportunity to appreciate the evolution of our electoral history as is the case in many jurisdictions around the world, Mahmoud said.
End
Tinubu Flags-Off INEC Headquarters Annex Office In Abuja
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Annex Office in Abuja.
President Tinubu at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja said that the ceremony is beyond laying of blocks and mortar, but symbolizes the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.”
He stated that INEC still remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Its role in conducting elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and in our democratic processes.
The president also explained that owing to the mandate of INEC as a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility, and national significance.
“As we break ground today, we also lay a stronger foundation for democratic resilience in Nigeria.”
“This new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth. It will provide not just a home, but a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.”
“Our democracy is still evolving, and as it grows, so too must the institutions that support and protect it.”
President Tinubu gave assurance that the annex INEC office would be fully equipped —not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy, and resources — to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.
He commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for taking another bold step in ensuring the protection of our democracy by initiating this lauding project.
” I salute his courage, as I am indeed proud of him. Let me also take this moment to commend the leadership and staff of INEC — past and present — for their dedication in the face of challenges. “
President Tinubu admonished Nigerians, “To all Nigerians, I say this: democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedoms, and protect the future.”
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome Wike had put the record straight that the Abuja INEC Annex building was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in March 2025 to be supervised by the FCT through the Federal Capital Development Authority.
The minister noted that the INEC office is part of public buildings approved for renovation and construction.
“I want to assure you that this structure will be given all the time it is required to see that during your first tenure, this project is completed, that you can be assured that we’ll do that, and with the kind of support you’ve given to us, we’ll make sure that the contractor delivers.”
The INEC Chairmam, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu complained that the Commission commissioned in December 1997 has been over stretched the years with a growing number of staffs.
Prof. Yakubu stated that the Commission was originally meant to cater for eight Commission members, but that over the years the building has grappled with over population.
“Today, there are 13 full-time Commission members (a Chairman and 12 National Commissioners), 22 Departments/Directorates and 1,048 staff. Consequently, every facility is overstretched from offices to meeting rooms for the Commission’s 15 standing Committees and other activities, including regular engagements with stakeholders. General staff meetings always take place outside the Commission.”
Mahmood disclosed that the new annex office building plan would have provision for a museum.
“Beyond these facilities, the building plan has provision for a museum to serve as a repository for the physical and digital history of elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.”
“This will afford citizens, particularly students that regularly visit the Commission on excursion, the opportunity to appreciate the evolution of our electoral history as is the case in many jurisdictions around the world, Mahmoud said.
End
