The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address allegations that senior officials of the commission received land and cash gifts from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Tuesday, the opposition party expressed concern over reports suggesting that Mohammed Haruna, a supervising national commissioner for the FCT, admitted to receiving a land allocation.
The PDP said the development raised serious ethical and institutional questions, noting that it appears to support ongoing speculation about a possible “land-for-favour” arrangement intended to influence critical agencies involved in the electoral process.
The party questioned why such benefits would allegedly be extended to officials within election-related bodies, while workers in other key sectors such as healthcare, education, and security have not received similar gestures despite the importance of their roles.
It further urged the INEC chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, to respond publicly to the allegations, including claims that he may also be among those who benefited.
According to the PDP, failure to provide clarity could deepen public distrust in the electoral body.
In its statement, the party described the situation as troubling, stressing that it comes at a time when confidence in democratic institutions must be strengthened rather than undermined.
It warned that unresolved allegations of this nature could further erode the credibility of the commission.
The PDP insisted that INEC must act swiftly to clarify the matter and demonstrate its commitment to transparency, neutrality, and accountability in both its operations and public engagements.
Emphasising the importance of integrity in electoral management, the party urged the commission to ensure that its conduct remains beyond reproach, noting that public trust is essential to the credibility of elections and democratic governance in Nigeria.
