INEC’s Independence Under Fire: Coalition Slams Plan for New HQ by FCDA
The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Mr. Peter Ameh, has condemned the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) construct its new national headquarters, describing it as a “direct assault” on the commission’s constitutional independence.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday and made available to PUNCH Online, Ameh—former National President of the Inter-Party Advisory Council—warned that the move threatens to politicise the nation’s electoral process and reverses decades of democratic progress.
“The recent decision by INEC to let FCDA build its new headquarters is deeply troubling,” Ameh said. “It undermines the commission’s autonomy as guaranteed under Section 158(1) of the 1999 Constitution and runs contrary to the direct funding mechanism laid out in Section 81(3), which secures INEC’s financial independence.”
Ameh argued that INEC’s reliance on a politically overseen agency like the FCDA—especially under the watch of the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—risks compromising the commission’s neutrality and credibility. He described the justification by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, that the FCDA built INEC’s previous headquarters decades ago, as “outdated and indefensible.”
“Electoral laws have evolved,” he insisted. “Involving politically linked bodies in INEC’s infrastructure planning is no longer acceptable. It invites undue influence and erodes public trust.”
The statement further raised alarm over misplaced priorities, questioning why INEC would focus on building a new headquarters while allegedly neglecting the welfare of its staff—those responsible for managing voter registration, election logistics, and result collation.
“Instead of pouring resources into grandiose projects, INEC should improve staff salaries, training, and working conditions. A demoralised workforce cannot guarantee credible elections,” he warned.
Ameh called on INEC to immediately withdraw from the FCDA arrangement and instead utilise its constitutionally backed “direct line charge” to independently fund and manage its infrastructure needs. He also urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight and ensure that INEC’s budget aligns strictly with its core mandate.
“Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is truly independent and committed to credible elections,” Ameh stated. “Any attempt to dilute INEC’s autonomy ahead of the 2027 general elections is a threat to the very foundation of our democracy. We must act now to protect it.”
