***Says, Elections Are a Huge Financial Burden
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has turned down the N40 billion budget allocation proposed for 2025, insisting on N126 billion to meet its electoral responsibilities.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this assertion during a budget defense session with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, led by Senator Sarafadeen Alli.
“Our financial requirements for 2025 total over N126 billion, with detailed plans outlined for every expenditure. The N40 billion allocated to us falls far short and won’t cover even a third of our projected needs,” Yakubu stated.
He highlighted the rising costs of personnel due to the new minimum wage and the expenses for off-cycle elections in 21 constituencies, including the Anambra governorship election in 2025.
The INEC Chairman also noted past interventions, such as N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024 and an additional N500 million for bye-elections, underscoring the need for adequate and sustainable funding.
Lawmakers, impressed by INEC’s detailed proposal, pledged to ensure the commission receives the required funds. Senator Ireti Kingibe remarked, “The challenge is not about approving N126 billion but ensuring it is made available.”
The session concluded with a closed-door meeting between the committee and INEC officials to explore funding options for the 2025 fiscal year.
INEC’s demand underscored the escalating financial demands of conducting elections in Nigeria, calling for a robust commitment to democratic processes.