Former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and 2019 presidential candidate, Chief Peter Ameh, has sharply criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for involving the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in the construction of its new national headquarters in Abuja.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday, Chief Ameh described the move as a “direct assault” on the constitutional independence of the electoral body, warning that it could compromise INEC’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This decision represents a dangerous regression that threatens INEC’s autonomy and undermines public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process,” he said.
Ameh cited Sections 158(1) and 81(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee INEC’s independence and direct funding from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. He also referenced the Electoral Act 2022, which further empowers the commission to operate without interference from politically controlled agencies.
The former IPAC chair expressed particular concern over the role of the FCDA, which operates under the Federal Capital Territory Administration, currently headed by Minister Nyesom Wike, a key political figure.
“By allowing a politically supervised agency to fund and construct its headquarters, INEC risks eroding public trust and inviting undue influence into its operations,” Ameh said.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, had previously defended the partnership with the FCDA, citing historical precedent during the commission’s relocation from Lagos to Abuja. But Chief Ameh dismissed that rationale as outdated.
“Nigeria’s electoral laws have evolved. What was acceptable in the past is no longer defensible under today’s constitutional and democratic standards,” he argued.
Chief Ameh urged INEC to terminate its arrangement with the FCDA and utilise its statutory funding to independently handle the project.
He also called on the National Assembly to step in and ensure that INEC’s budget reflects its infrastructural and operational priorities without external interference.
In addition to the constitutional concerns, Ameh criticised INEC’s focus on infrastructure over internal development, noting that the welfare of the commission’s staff had been neglected.
“INEC should prioritise competitive salaries, adequate training, and improved working conditions for its staff, who are the backbone of credible elections,” he said.
He warned that failure to protect INEC’s autonomy could destabilise Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The Nigerian people deserve an electoral body that is truly independent. Any attempt to weaken that independence threatens the foundation of our democratic system.”
As of press time, INEC had not responded to the concerns raised in Chief Ameh’s statement.
