Fresh controversy has surfaced over claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, allegedly granted land allocations in Abuja and substantial cash payments to top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to a report by SaharaReporters, sources within the electoral body alleged that more than 29 senior INEC officials received plots of land in prime areas of the Federal Capital Territory, alongside financial inducements said to exceed $50,000 each. The development has sparked concerns about the independence and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Those reportedly involved include high-ranking officials such as the Commission’s Secretary, national commissioners, and several directors. Among the names mentioned are Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony, Sam Olumekun, Ken Ukeagu, Haruna Mohammed, May Agbamuche-Mbu, Bala Bila, Abdullahi Zuru, Sani Adam, Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf, Kunle Ajayi, and Nwambam Aja, as well as multiple directors within the commission.
Sources further claimed that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, may have indirectly benefited through a proxy arrangement involving a large parcel of land reportedly exceeding 30 hectares.
The report stated that the land allocations were initially issued with Rights of Occupancy but were later revoked after beneficiaries allegedly failed to meet payment deadlines for Certificates of Occupancy. However, insiders claimed that interventions followed, including financial assistance or waivers that enabled recipients to retain the properties without bearing the costs.
Each of the plots is said to be valued at over ₦180 million, raising further questions about the scale of the alleged inducements.
Attempts to obtain official responses from Wike’s media aide and INEC representatives were unsuccessful at the time of the report.
Meanwhile, INEC recently announced the removal of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal, citing an ongoing court dispute over the party’s leadership.
The commission said it would suspend recognition of any faction within the ADC pending the final judgment of the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja, in line with existing court orders.
Following the move, the ADC called for the resignation of the INEC Chairman, accusing the commission of bias and aligning with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, INEC maintained that its actions were strictly in compliance with court directives and not influenced by political considerations.
