Tinubu Flags Off INEC Annex — A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Electoral Body

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set in motion the construction of a new annex building for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja — a major development aimed at solving the Commission’s long-standing infrastructural limitations.

In a ceremony held on Monday, June 17, 2025, the President performed the groundbreaking, signaling federal commitment to strengthening the electoral institution’s capacity and functionality.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, did not hide his emotions as he addressed guests. “We are glad that the President found time to personally perform the groundbreaking ceremony of the INEC annex building. For a long time, the Commission has faced serious challenges with space,” he said.

Built in 1997, INEC’s current headquarters was designed for a much smaller Commission — just eight members, 10 departments, and about 500 staff. Today, that number has more than doubled, with 13 full-time commissioners, 22 departments, and over 1,000 staff.

“Every part of the building is now overstretched — offices, meeting rooms, and spaces for important engagements. We even hold general staff meetings outside the office,” Yakubu lamented.

Despite temporarily leasing offices in Wuse II, the Commission’s leadership had long sought a permanent solution. That breakthrough came last year through the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory and the support of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The new annex will feature modern office spaces, a 1,000-seat auditorium, conference and meeting rooms, an election monitoring and support center, and a museum that will house Nigeria’s electoral history in both digital and physical formats.

“This is a very special moment for me personally. After nearly 10 years of trying, the project is finally taking off,” the INEC Chairman said.

Yakubu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Deputy Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, FCT Minister, and other stakeholders for their support.

The project, once completed, is expected to enhance INEC’s operational capacity and provide a better working environment for staff as the Commission continues to oversee electoral processes across the country.