The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to address allegations that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike distributed land and cash to senior INEC officials. The party cited reports quoting Supervising National Commissioner for the FCT Mohammed Kudu Haruna as admitting to receiving a land allocation. The PDP statement, issued by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, expressed concern that such benefits to election-related officials contrasted with the lack of similar consideration for healthcare, education and security workers despite their essential roles. It demanded that Amupitan publicly respond to the claims, including suggestions that he may have also benefited, warning that the controversy could further damage public trust in INEC.
Amupitan's silence speaks volumes. If the INEC chairman's own name circulates among beneficiaries, every delayed response erodes the last shreds of credibility the commission claims to uphold. The message to Nigerians is clear: when the electoral umpire's leaders appear compromised, the integrity of the entire process hangs by a thread.
