A year after gifting judges houses in Abuja, FCT minister Nyesom Wike is set to build a new headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission.

President Bola Tinubu would inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal and flag off the new INEC headquarters project on Tuesday, Mr Wike announced in a post on X.

“Today is for the commissioning of the Mabushi Bus Terminal. We will also flag off the construction of the new INEC HQ. We are eagerly waiting to welcome Mr President,” Mr Wike said.

The plan to build a new INEC head office came a year after Mr Wike built houses for judges.

Mr Tinubu is seeking reelection in 2027 and will likely rely on his unusual ally, the former Rivers governor, a stalwart in the major opposition party (Peoples Democratic Party), for another electoral success. The incumbent president belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Meanwhile, Mr Wike’s announcement of the new INEC headquarters has sparked reactions on social media.

Responding to Mr Wike’s post, an X user, @Omoluabi1sq, said, “Why on earth will you want to build a new INEC Headquarters? Is INEC not expected to be independent? If INEC wants to build a new edifice, is it not meant to be included in their budget? Is INEC now under FCT Minstry, sir?”

He added, “Is this the kind of precedent you are actually laying as an FCT Minister? Please, this is not right. You have just 2yrs, left after which you will seize to be a Government appointee. You will be called to answer for all these, and Nigerians will ask that you account for all these impunities.”

Another netizen, @Joshuaezs, stated, “This needs to be protest. We’re a democratic country and @inecnigeria should be independent.”

@Ezeani_malik1 said, “He is preparing to compromise our electoral system for the second time.This period we won’t let you.”