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)