Turaki-led PDP Demands Clarification From INEC Over Alleged Land, Cash Gifts

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address allegations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, offered land and cash gifts to senior officials of the commission.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party described the reports as “disturbing and worrisome,” warning that they could further erode public confidence in the electoral body.

The controversy follows widespread media reports last week alleging that Wike gifted parcels of land and cash to top INEC staff.

According to the PDP, the allegations appear to reinforce ongoing speculation about a “land-for-favour” arrangement aimed at influencing key institutions.

“This news is very disturbing and worrisome and seems to connect the dots in the land-for-favour scenario currently being widely speculated,” the statement read.

The party also questioned why such gestures would be extended to officials in election-related agencies, while professionals in other critical sectors have not received similar consideration.

“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… whose duties demand that they live in the capital city,” the PDP said, noting that healthcare workers, teachers, and security personnel have not benefited from such allocations.

The PDP further urged the INEC leadership to respond transparently to the allegations, including claims that the commission’s chairman may also be a beneficiary.

“We hereby demand that the National Chairman of INEC comes clean on these allegations against his top officials, and even himself,” Ememobong stated.

The party warned that the timing of the reports could deepen public distrust in an institution already facing credibility concerns.

“These stories, at a time like this, deepen the erosion of public trust in an electoral umpire with a legacy of stained credibility,” the statement added.

The PDP concluded by urging INEC to uphold the highest standards of transparency and impartiality.

“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.”