The Peoples’ Democratic Party has described reports alleging that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, gave out prime lands and cash to senior officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as disturbing.
In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the party said the development fits into a broader suspicion of “land-for-favour” moves aimed at capturing key institutions ahead of future elections.
According to the statement, the claims intensified when Mr Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Supervising National Commissioner for the FCT, admitted that land had indeed been gifted to some commission officials.
The PDP wondered why such allocations went only to officials linked to the electoral process while health workers, teachers and security personnel who also reside and serve in the capital city have not received similar benefits.
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Comrade Ememobong demanded that INEC National Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, immediately clear the air on the allegations, including claims that he too may have benefited from the gifts.
“These reports, coming at this critical period, further damage public trust in an electoral umpire that already battles a credibility crisis,” Ememobong said.
The PDP urged INEC to make urgent and full disclosure to Nigerians on the true position regarding the land allocations and any other gifts.
“The Commission must always remember it has to be above suspicion, like Caesar’s wife. Transparency and impartiality must not be mere slogans but must be evident in both its words and deeds,” the party added.
The statement added that the controversy has deepened concerns about INEC’s independence as political activities towards the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
