• Building will house electoral museum, says Yakubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to the independence and institutional strength of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring that credible elections remained the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.

The President made the declaration while flagging off the construction of INEC’s new national headquarters in Abuja, a major upgrade meant to reflect and reinforce the commission’s autonomy, innovation, and operational capacity.

“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,” Tinubu stated.

According to Tinubu, the decision to provide INEC with a befitting structure goes beyond erecting a physical edifice; it reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of INEC as a central institution in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, one that must be fully empowered to deliver on its constitutional mandate without interference.

“Today’s 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 said.

According to Tinubu INEC is the “backbone” of the democratic process, and the trust Nigerians place in government is fundamentally tied to the credibility of elections.

He said the evolving nature of democracy demanded institutions, like INEC, to be equipped not just with the right laws and policies, but also with the infrastructure that matches their critical responsibilities.

“We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped, not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy, and resources to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence,” he said.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project and ensuring the commission has the physical space it needs to function more effectively. He called Wike’s action “a bold step in protecting our democracy.”

The new headquarters, which will complement INEC’s current overcrowded facility, will feature modern meeting and conference rooms, a data-driven election monitoring centre, and even a museum of electoral history to foster civic education.

Tinubu also used the occasion to commend INEC leadership for their dedication amid challenging circumstances. He called on all contractors and stakeholders involved in the project to prioritise integrity, quality and speed in delivering the landmark building.