By Lateef Ibrahim
The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Mr Peter Ameh, has questioned the decision by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to construct a new headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ameh, a former National President of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), also warned about what he called the politicisation of the electoral umpire.
Ameh, in a statement said: “The recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to allow the Federal Capital Development Authority to construct its new national headquarters in Abuja is deeply troubling and constitutes a direct assault on the commission’s constitutional independence.
“I strongly condemn this move as an unacceptable return to practices that undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) explicitly safeguards INEC’s autonomy under Section 158(1), which insulates the commission from external control in its operations.
“Furthermore, Section 81(3) provides for a direct line charge to INEC’s budget, ensuring financial independence through funds drawn directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“This mechanism, reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022, was designed to eliminate INEC’s reliance on politically controlled entities, thereby curing the historical problem of undue influence over the election management body.”
He argued that the justification offered by INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, that the FCDA’s role in building the commission’s initial headquarters when it relocated from Lagos validates its current involvement, “Is outdated and indefensible.”
He further noted that “Nigeria’s electoral laws have evolved significantly, and such arrangements are no longer acceptable for an institution tasked with conducting free, fair, and credible elections.”
The statement also noted that “The mere fact that FCDA was allowed to initiate and carry out the construction of the new headquarters speaks volumes. For an agency under the Federal Capital Territory Administration and subject to political oversight by Nyesom Wike, to fund and construct its headquarters, INEC risks compromising its impartiality and eroding public trust in the electoral process.
“This decision contradicts the purpose of the direct line charge, which empowers INEC to independently budget for its operational and infrastructural needs through appropriations by the National Assembly. Public sentiment, as expressed by so many citizens, echoes this concern, with Nigerians questioning the integrity of an electoral body that permits political actors to influence its operations.
“Equally concerning is INEC’s misplaced priority in focusing on a new headquarters while neglecting the welfare of its staff—the bureaucratic backbone of the commission. The employees who manage voter registration, election logistics, and result collation deserve competitive salaries, adequate training, and improved working conditions to enhance their efficiency and resist electoral malpractices.
“Diverting attention to a grandiose project at the expense of staff welfare undermines INEC’and was actively engaged in road rehabilitation across all communities in Ibeku and Ohuhu.
“In Isuikwuato LGA, Chima Agbaeze constructed an ultra-modern Central Motor Park in Akara, rehabilitated roads, distributed educational materials, and initiated rural electrification projects, among various other developmental efforts, including security improvements.
“In Umunneochi, Chief Ifeanyi Madu constructed over 200 lockup shops and an ultra-modern market at Eke Eziama Nneato, fenced the FOB Military Base at Lomara Isuochi, built a storey security tower along the Lomara-Nneato road beside Spiritan University Nneochi, reconstructed major rural roads in Umunneochi, and built classroom blocks while distributing educational materials to students.”
Chief Aguoru while charging the Governor Otti-led administration to deviate from what he described as deliberate propaganda added: “Sentiments are no substitute for truth, emotions and propaganda do not deliver clean water. Leadership demands integrity, not image management. Abia’s 17 local governments are not appendages of the governor’s office; they are constitutionally recognized institutions that must be allowed to function independently and effectively.
“Governor Otti must be reminded that he campaigned on the platform of reform, not repression. If he cannot keep his promise to respect the autonomy of local governments, then he must be held accountable, not just by history, but by the very people he swore to serve”, he concluded.
