In a press statement issued on April 8, 2026, Eze expressed outrage over reports that 29 senior INEC officials benefitted from land allocations in the Federal Capital Territory, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
He argued that the timing and circumstances surrounding the allocations raise serious ethical and legal concerns, particularly in light of ongoing political developments involving the ADC.
Eze maintained that any form of inducement whether in cash, land, or other benefits offered to public officials to influence their duties constitutes a violation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws.
He stressed that electoral officers, by the sensitive nature of their responsibilities, must remain above reproach and free from any form of compromise.
The ADC chieftain specifically called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately wade into the matter.
According to him, a thorough and transparent investigation is necessary to determine whether the land allocations were part of a broader scheme to influence electoral decisions ahead of the 2027 polls.
He stated that under existing laws, it is an offence for any public officer to solicit or receive gratification as an inducement for performing official duties, just as it is equally unlawful for any individual regardless of status to offer such benefits. Eze warned that failure to address the issue decisively could erode public confidence in INEC and jeopardize the legitimacy of future elections.
The controversy follows a confirmation by an INEC National Commissioner for the FCT, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who acknowledged that commission members applied for and were allocated land, while denying allegations of any monetary inducement.
Haruna explained that due process was followed and that beneficiaries paid the required fees, noting that some officials had already received their Certificates of Occupancy.
However, Eze dismissed the explanation as insufficient, insisting that the relationship between the electoral body and a serving minister raises questions of conflict of interest and institutional independence.
He further alleged that such developments may have contributed to irregularities observed in recent FCT Area Council elections.
He urged anti-graft agencies and relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent what he described as a dangerous precedent capable of compromising Nigeria’s electoral system, emphasizing that the sanctity of the ballot must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
