Group writes INEC, requests names of senior officials allocated land in Abuja

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) seeking clarity on allegations of land allocations to senior electoral officials by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The letter written to INEC by the group, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (ASSPT), dated May 13 and made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, was signed by the its Executive Director, Dr Sam Amadi.
The NGO said that the request was to verify recent media reports claiming that several senior INEC officials, including national commissioners and directors, were allegedly allocated plots of land under the current Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
According to the letter received by the office of INEC chairman, ASSPT is demanding comprehensive details regarding the alleged transactions to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process.
In the request, the group asked INEC to provide specific information within seven days, including: verification of allocations – whether any serving INEC officials received land from FCTA under the current minister.
It also demanded the names, designations and departments of any official who allegedly received such allocations as well as the dates, locations and sizes of the plots allocated.
The group also demanded clarification on whether the officials declared such allocations in line with public service rules and asset declaration requirements.
It equally sought to know whether the commission had initiated any internal review or ethical investigation into the matter.
“Given the constitutional role of INEC in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process, these allegations raise serious public interest concerns regarding institutional independence, ethical standards and public confidence,” it stated.
The group emphasised that the request was made in the public interest to ensure transparency and accountability, as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.
It requested for copies of the internal policies and code of conduct governing the acceptance of gifts or benefits from politically-exposed persons and government officials.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos
Lagos residents decry soaring corn prices
A corn trader, Justina Odion, blamed the high retail price on increased wholesale costs.

NationWide
Afam Okeke wins NBA general secretary election with 8,478 votes
The live results portal showed that a total of 82,167 voters were accredited for the general election held on Saturday.

States
Tinubu is pillar of my infrastructural development: Gov Sani
The governor said that the N1 trillion Light Rail Project will commence in the next two months.

States
Troops foil abduction of Borno female students
He said that the terrorists reportedly gained access to the facility with the assistance of suspected collaborators

Rights
Civil society organisations key to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy: CDHR
He said civil society organisations serve as a bridge between the government and the people.

NationWide
2027: Nigeria won’t drift into one-party state, says LP presidential candidate
Mr Okereke described the one-party state narrative as a mere political construct.





