INEC Remains Backbone Of Nigeria’s Democracy, Says President Tinubu

• Flags Offs Construction Of Commission’s New Annex Building

 By Nathaniel Gana

 17th June 2025

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, 17th June 2025 laid the foundation for the construction of the new Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) annex building, at the colorful groundbreaking ceremony held at Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

Speaking at the event the President said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the federal government’s efforts to strengthen INEC’s institutional capacity and enhance the overall efficiency of electoral administration in Nigeria.

Underscoring the symbolic importance of the project, President Tinubu said it was not just merely about constructing a physical building, but also about reinforcing the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

He said: “Today’s ceremony is not merely about brick and mortar. It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity. INEC has been and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

He described the construction of the new annex as a demonstration of his administration’s unwavering support for the autonomy, capacity, and growth of the Commission. He expressed confidence that the new facility would serve as a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral operations.

His words: “This headquarters annex will provide not just a conducive office environment, but a platform for building trust in the electoral process. Our democracy is still evolving, and so too must the institution that protects and advances it.”

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, and acknowledged the continued support of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) since INEC’s relocation from Lagos to Abuja in 1991.

In his remarks, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for personally officiating the ceremony and for the sustained commitment of the federal government to the Commission’s institutional development.

He noted that the current headquarters, built in December 1997, was originally designed to accommodate eight Commission members, 10 departments, and about 500 staff. Over time, however, he said, the Commission has grown significantly, now comprising 13 National Commissioners, 22 departments, and over 1,000 personnel.

His words: “Our offices, meeting rooms, and workspaces have become severely overcrowded. In fact, we have been compelled to hold large staff meetings outdoors due to limited indoor capacity,”

He explained that INEC had been managing the situation by renting additional office space in Wuse 2, Abuja, but emphasized the need for a permanent solution. He described the construction of the new annex as the culmination of nearly a decade of sustained efforts and engagement with relevant authorities.

The proposed annex will include modern office suites, conference rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, an advanced election monitoring and support centre, and a museum of Nigeria’s electoral history intended to serve researchers, students, and the general public. Prof. Yakubu said the new facility would complement, not replace, the existing headquarters.

He said: “This new structure will significantly improve the Commission’s operational effectiveness and enable us to deliver on our constitutional mandate with greater professionalism and efficiency.”

The INEC Chairman also extended appreciation to key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, and development partners, for their continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.

The ceremony concluded with President Tinubu officially flagging off the construction of the annex and reiterating the federal government’s determination to safeguard democratic institutions and processes.

“Let this new INEC headquarters annex stand as a pillar of democracy, accountability, transparency, and national unity,” the President declared.