President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to officially flag off the construction of a new national headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, as part of activities marking his second year in office.

 

The event, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, is one of several lined up by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to commemorate the anniversary. The new headquarters will be situated in Maitama District, one of Abuja’s high-profile zones.

 

Sources within the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) confirmed that the project would be executed and managed by the FCTA. Although specific financial details are yet to be disclosed, insiders say the initiative is expected to cost several billions of naira.

 

When asked why the FCTA, rather than INEC itself, is spearheading the project, a senior FCDA official explained that it is not unusual for the FCTA to construct federal facilities in the capital city. The source noted that the Presidential Villa, National Assembly Complex, and several ministry buildings were also FCTA projects.

 

“Because INEC is a sensitive body, people may raise concerns,” the official added. “But this isn’t about influencing the Commission. It’s a continuation of FCTA’s mandate to develop and maintain the capital’s infrastructure.”

 

There are, however, lingering questions about whether the project is captured in the 2025 FCTA budget. One FCTA director, speaking anonymously, stated that while the budget has been approved by the National Assembly, it is awaiting presidential assent, and the line-item details have not yet been published.

 

The development comes amid recent criticism of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, particularly following the construction of residential quarters for judges in the Mabushi area. Critics alleged those actions were aimed at currying favour with the judiciary—an accusation Wike denied.

 

Reacting to the INEC project, Lere Olayinka, Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, confirmed that the headquarters construction is an official FCTA project. He also clarified that all federal public buildings in Abuja fall under the jurisdiction of the FCTA, including the National Assembly.

 

On the cost and scope of the INEC headquarters, Olayinka urged the public to await full disclosures at the official flag-off ceremony on Tuesday.