Asaba, Delta State — A property owner, Mr. Charles Isichei, has urged the Delta State Government to instruct the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) to vacate his building, citing prolonged non-payment of rent and what he describes as unlawful occupation.
Speaking with journalists, Isichei said he is the legitimate owner of the property currently being used as DSIEC’s office. He explained that the building was initially leased to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the tenure of former Governor James Ibori through the Ministry of Lands, but was later reassigned to DSIEC without his approval.
He clarified that his lease agreement was strictly with a government official, Mrs. Princess Ajudua who at the time served either as Commissioner for Lands or Chairman of the Waste Management Board and not with DSIEC.
“I have no agreement with DSIEC and no formal relationship with them. My only agreement was with Princess Ajudua, yet the property was handed over to DSIEC without my consent,” he said.
Isichei further alleged that annual rent of ₦5 million has remained unpaid for several years, including 2025 and 2026, despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue.
Describing the situation as distressing, he noted that he has had to travel repeatedly from the United States to pursue the matter. “I am 70 years old and simply want to enjoy my property and make use of it for my family,” he added.
The landlord said he sought legal redress, asking the court to compel DSIEC to vacate the premises. A Magistrate Court ruled that while he retains the right to use adjacent land, he must allow DSIEC access to the building it occupies.
In compliance, he said he has begun fencing the property while leaving an access point for the commission, effectively limiting vehicle entry into the compound.
However, he claimed the matter was escalated to the High Court by state authorities in an attempt to delay enforcement of the ruling. According to him, the High Court declined jurisdiction and directed that the case be returned, resulting in prolonged legal back-and-forth.
Isichei also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the property, attributing it to neglect and lack of maintenance due to unpaid rent. He described visible damage, including leaking roofs, flooding, and broken fences.
His primary demand, he emphasized, is for DSIEC to vacate the premises immediately, insisting that continued occupation without a valid agreement or payment is unjust.
“I want full possession of my property,” he stated.
Efforts to reach the Chairman of DSIEC by phone were unsuccessful. When correspondents visited the site, they found the compound flooded and the main gate barricaded with a fence, making access to the building impossible. The surroundings were also poorly maintained.
The situation has raised broader concerns, especially given that Delta State has operated under democratic governance for 27 years without providing a permanent office for the commission responsible for conducting local government elections.
Notably, Delta State was the first in Nigeria to establish a State Independent Electoral Commission following legislation signed into law by former Governor James Ibori in 1999.
Observers say the current condition of the office raises questions about DSIEC’s ability to conduct credible elections in such an environment.
Sources indicate that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed the commission to seek temporary office space amid increasing pressure from the property owner.
The current facility is described as dilapidated and unsuitable for administrative functions. Meanwhile, the commission’s permanent office along DBS Road remains unfinished, reportedly about 70 percent complete, with part of the allocated land said to have been reassigned to the State Civil Service Commission.
Given these developments, there are growing calls for the Delta State Government to urgently provide a functional and well-equipped office for DSIEC, particularly as the state continues to advance in digital transformation.
Attempts to contact the State Commissioner for Housing, Godknows Angele, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered.
