The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to respond to allegations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, distributed land and cash to senior INEC officials.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, referenced reports claiming that Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Supervising National Commissioner for the FCT, confirmed receiving a land allocation.
PDP said the claims raise serious concerns, suggesting they could indicate a “land-for-favour” arrangement aimed at influencing critical institutions.
The party questioned why such benefits were reportedly given to election-related officials while essential sector workers in healthcare, education, and security have not received similar consideration despite the importance of their duties. PDP emphasized that the allegations, if true, could further erode public confidence in INEC.
The statement read: “Last week, the news media was awash with stories of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, @GovWike offering land and cash gifts to senior staff of the Commission. Later, another news item surfaced wherein Mr. Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who is the Supervising National Commissioner for the FCT, was quoted to have admitted the land gift.
“This news is very disturbing and worrisome and seems to connect the dots in the land-for-favour scenario currently being widely speculated as the strategy for institutional capture of the Minister. It is curious that these land gifts are given to officials in agencies critical to elections, whereas there are other officials in critical development sectors, like healthcare professionals, teachers, and even security officials-whose duties demand that they live in the capital city. We have not heard of any land allocation to these people, obviously because they are not directly related to the election process.
“We hereby demand that the National Chairman of INEC comes clean on these allegations against his top officials, and even himself, as he has also been alleged to be a beneficiary. These stories, at a time like this, deepen the erosion of public trust in an electoral umpire with a legacy of stained credibility. Therefore, the Commission should, as a matter of urgency and priority, inform the public of the true situation regarding this matter.
“The Commission must remember at all times that it must strive to be, like Caesar’s wife, above board, and ensure that transparency and impartiality are not just watchwords but are obvious in both its words and actions.”
What you should know
The PDP has urged INEC chairman Joash Amupitan to clarify allegations that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike gave land and cash gifts to senior INEC officials.
The party argues that such actions, if true, risk eroding public trust in the electoral body and called for urgent transparency to maintain institutional credibility.
