ABUJA/Nigeria: A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has raised alarm over what he described as a troubling development within Nigeria’s electoral system following the confirmation that 29 officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) received land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory.
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), made his position known in a statement on Tuesday, where he linked the development to alleged attempts to compromise electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy follows confirmation by INEC National Commissioner for the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, that commission officials were allocated land, even as he denied allegations that they received $50,000 in financial inducement from the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
In his reaction, Eze described the development as indicative of deeper systemic challenges within Nigeria’s political and governance structures, alleging that the timing of the allocations raises concerns, particularly in light of recent disputes involving the ADC.
According to him, “the purported inducements are clearly intended to influence electoral decisions ahead of the 2027 elections,” adding that such actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He further argued that the situation reflects what he termed “audacious rot” within the system, stressing that any form of gratification offered to public officials in exchange for influence constitutes a violation of anti-corruption laws.
Eze cited provisions of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act, noting that it is unlawful for any public officer to solicit or receive benefits as inducement for performing official duties, just as it is an offence for individuals to offer such benefits.
He maintained that if a political office holder provides gifts, including land allocations, to electoral officials, such actions could amount to abuse of office and corrupt inducement under existing laws.
The ADC chieftain also listed several INEC officials allegedly involved in the land allocation, including senior commissioners and directors within the commission.
However, Haruna, in his clarification, stated that the allocations followed due process, explaining that commissioners applied for the land over a year ago and paid the necessary fees.
“On the land matter, all the members of the Commission were given application forms to fill over a year ago under Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman. We did so and personally paid the appropriate fees,” he said.
He added that while some officials had already received their Certificates of Occupancy, others, including himself, were yet to receive theirs despite approvals having been signed earlier.
Despite this explanation, Eze insisted that the development raises serious ethical and legal concerns, calling on anti-corruption agencies to intervene.
He specifically urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC to investigate the matter, stressing the need to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Eze concluded that the situation, if not properly addressed, could further erode public trust in democratic institutions, particularly as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections.
