President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday flagged off the construction of a new annexe to the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
He also commissioned the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja.
Flagging off the construction, the President assured that his government was committed to equipping INEC to deliver their mandate fully.
“The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC remained the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Today’s ceremony is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about the strength of our democracy, the independence of our institutions, and the future of our electoral integrity.
“INEC has been and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Its role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and our democratic processes.”
Tinubu said the building was a testimony to INEC’s autonomy, capacity and growth.
Tinubu said because Nigeria’s democracy is young, they need to support and build it.
“Our democracy is still evolving, and as it grows. We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in law, policy, and resources, to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.
The President commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for taking another bold step in ensuring the protection of our democracy by initiating this project. “I salute his courage as I am indeed proud of him,” he said.
He charged the contractors that quality, speed, and integrity should guide their work, as they were not just building a headquarters but also building trust in our nation.
Tinubu cautioned Nigerians that “democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedoms, and protect the future.”
On his part, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, took the opportunity to clear the air, stating that he had no ulterior motive for building the INEC office.
He stated that the proposed construction was without any ulterior motive but instead in pursuit of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to establish good governance across all sectors.
He stated that the project contract was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2025 but would be supervised by the FCT Administration through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Wike also explained that the FCDA has statutory responsibility for public buildings in Abuja and has fulfilled this responsibility for many government agencies over the years.
The INEC chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu, appreciated the President and the FCT Minister for their presence and facilitation of the project.
He explained that over the years, the Electoral Management Body had grappled with accommodation issues.
He said the general staff meetings always take place outside the Commission. In response, the Commission was compelled to rent two buildings in Wuse Zone II to ease the situation.”
Yakubu stated that in 10 years, the Commission had tried without success till the FCT Administration came to their rescue.
*Unveils Mabushi Bus Terminal
President Bola Tinubu also inaugurated one of the newly constructed bus terminals located in the Mabushi district of Abuja on Tuesday.
Tinubu stated that the modern bus terminals, fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, are part of measures to enhance efficiency in the public transportation system.
The President, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, noted that the FCT Administration had demonstrated a commitment to people-oriented projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of the masses.
“As we inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal, we are not just opening a building; we are opening a new chapter for public transportation in Abuja. We reaffirm our commitment to creating a city where citizens can live, work, and commute with dignity, safety, and efficiency. This is a clear demonstration that our Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a slogan but a lived experience for our people.
“I urge all residents and transporters to make full use of this facility, to cooperate with the authorities, and to embrace this new era of organised and secure public transit.”
Additionally, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed that the bus terminals, equipped to operate 24 hours a day, would be handed over to private sector actors for effective maintenance.
Wike said that with the terminals, the era of tolerating roadside motor parks and illegal taxi systems has come to an end.
He said, “The FCT Transport Secretariat will not operate this terminal. Instead, we will concede it to private operators, who will run it efficiently.
“The terminal will operate 24 hours a day, providing commuters with a safe and comfortable space to wait for their buses. There will be amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities.”
