President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the commencement of a new annex office for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), initiated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The new INEC secretariat, which will be located along Zambezi Crescent in Abuja, is aimed at addressing the commission’s long-standing need for expanded office space.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Tinubu praised the FCT Minister for the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to democratic development.

“By initiating this project, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken another important step towards protecting democracy in this country. I say thank you very much,” the president said.

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration for the intervention, noting that the commission has faced severe space limitations as it continues to expand its operations.

While the move has received commendation from government quarters, it has also sparked criticism from some observers. Questions have been raised about the timing of the project, particularly as Wike remains a key political ally of President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

The development follows a similar controversy last year when Wike oversaw the donation of residential buildings to judicial officers in the FCT — a gesture that drew criticism over perceived political undertones.