From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Speaking at the event, yesterday, President Tinubu stressed that the project transcends the physical construction of a building. “This 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 highlighted INEC’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the commission as “the backbone of our democracy” responsible for conducting free, fair, and credible elections that underpin public trust in governance.

He stressed the importance of housing such a vital institution in a structure that reflects its dignity and national significance. “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.”

Acknowledging the evolving nature of Nigeria’s democracy, the President pledged the government’s commitment to equipping INEC with the necessary infrastructure, legal frameworks, policies, and resources to fulfill its constitutional mandate with fairness and excellence.

He also praised the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, and the leadership and staff of INEC, past and present, for their dedication amid challenges, noting that the groundbreaking symbolises laying a stronger foundation for democratic resilience in Nigeria.

Addressing the contractors and stakeholders, he urged them to let “quality, speed, and integrity guide your work,” reminding them that they are “not just building a headquarters — you are building trust in our nation.”

Tinubu called on all Nigerians to view democracy as an ongoing journey. “Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedoms, and protect the future,” he said before officially flagging off the construction.

He ended with a hopeful message: “May it stand as a pillar of democracy, accountability, and national unity.”

Earlier in his remarks, Wike highlighted the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) historical role in addressing INEC’s accommodation issues, pointing out that this marks the third occasion in 34 years that the agency has provided office space for the electoral commission. He emphasized the administration’s dedication to enhancing electoral governance through improved infrastructure.

“Our present National Headquarters is severely congested. General staff meetings take place outside the Commission. The new annex, with provisions for training rooms, offices, an election monitoring centre and a digital museum, reflects our ambition for a stronger, more accessible Commission.”

Wike added that the museum would enable Nigerian citizens, especially students, to “appreciate the evolution of our electoral history, as is the case in major jurisdictions around the world.”

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, praised Tinubu for his attendance at the ceremony. He highlighted the longstanding issue of congestion at the commission’s current headquarters, which was inaugurated in December 1997. Yakubu noted that the building, initially intended for a smaller setup, has become overwhelmed due to the expansion of INEC’s operations over time.

“Our present national headquarters is severely congested. Today, there are 13 full-time Commission members, 22 Departments/Directorates and 1,048 staff. Every facility is overstretched, from offices to meeting rooms,” Yakubu explained.

He detailed that the shortage of space has compelled INEC to lease two additional buildings in Wuse Zone II to accommodate staff and conduct activities, including frequent stakeholder engagements.

Yakubu revealed that INEC’s technical department designed the new annex, which will incorporate modern amenities such as offices, meeting and conference rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and dedicated areas for IT infrastructure like the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC).

Additionally, the new facility will feature a museum showcasing Nigeria’s electoral history. “This will afford citizens, particularly students who regularly visit the Commission on excursion, the opportunity to appreciate the evolution of our electoral history,” he said.

Describing the project as a personal milestone, Yakubu emphasized the commission’s decade-long dedication to bringing the plan to fruition. “For me personally, this is a special occasion. After almost ten years of persistent effort, the construction of the INEC Annex Building is finally a reality,” he concluded.