By CHARLES IWUOHA

Opposition Watch Nigeria (OWN), a political accountability advocacy group, has raised concerns regarding the recent allocation of luxury housing units and landed properties to judicial officers and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In a statement on Saturday signed by Aisha Bello, Media coordinator, the group characterized the multi-billion naira allocations as an attempt to compromise the independence of Nigeria’s judicial and electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

OWN argued that distributing prime real estate to independent umpires and judicial officers creates a conflict of interest, potentially undermining the separation of powers.

The group also contrasted these high-end property allocations with the current economic challenges facing ordinary citizens and the welfare conditions of frontline military personnel.

“The allocation of luxury estates and prime land to judges and electoral officials raises serious questions about institutional neutrality,” “At a time when the nation faces severe economic pressures and our security forces require enhanced support, prioritizing real estate incentives for the legal and electoral elite sends the wrong signal about state priorities.

OWN called on the affected judicial officers and INEC officials to decline the allocations to maintain public confidence in their respective institutions.

OWN also urged civil society organizations and professional bodies to monitor the situation closely to safeguard the country’s democratic checks and balances.

Opposition Watch Nigeria is a non-governmental watchdog organization dedicated to monitoring governance, promoting institutional accountability, and advocating for democratic integrity across Nigeria.