Abuja, NIGERIA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address “disturbing” allegations involving land and cash gifts reportedly offered to its senior officials by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Okay News gathered that the demand was contained in a press statement signed on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong. The opposition party expressed concern over reports that Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Supervising National Commissioner for the FCT, allegedly admitted to receiving a land gift from the Minister.
### Allegations of “Institutional Capture”
The PDP described the situation as a potential “land-for-favour” strategy aimed at the institutional capture of the electoral umpire. The party questioned why such lucrative allocations are being directed toward election officials while professionals in other critical sectors—such as healthcare, education, and security—are overlooked despite their essential roles in the capital city.
“It is curious that these land gifts are given to officials in agencies critical to elections,” the statement read. “We have not heard of any land allocation to [healthcare professionals or teachers], obviously because they are not directly related to the election process.”
The party further challenged the National Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to “come clean” regarding these allegations, noting that rumors have also circulated suggesting he may be a beneficiary. The PDP warned that such stories further erode public trust in the commission’s credibility ahead of future polls.
The statement concluded by reminding INEC of its duty to remain impartial and “above board,” urging the commission to prioritize transparency in its dealings with government officials to safeguard the integrity of the Nigerian electoral process.
