The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion allocated to it as part of the 2025 budget proposal, citing it as grossly inadequate for its operations.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the rejection during a budget defense session with the joint committee on INEC and Electoral Matters at the National Assembly, chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South).
Yakubu argued that elections in Nigeria have become an enormous financial burden that requires substantial funding. He urged the National Assembly to approve INEC’s proposed budget of N126 billion, which he described as essential to meeting the commission’s constitutional responsibilities.
“Our proposal for the 2025 budget, the provision requires the sum of over N126 billion,” Yakubu said. “We have the document that has provided details line by line on how we intend to spend the N126 billion.
“We would like the support of the National Assembly to enable us to achieve our responsibilities in the first line charge. Most of these responsibilities are constitutional.”
The INEC chairman further explained that the N40 billion budget envelope given to the commission would not cover one-third of its projected expenses for the year.
“In a nutshell, the N40 billion budget envelope given to us for 2025 will not cover one-third of projected expenses, which totally amounts to over N126 billion. Aside from the off-cycle elections for 21 constituencies to be filled through bye-elections and the Anambra Governorship election this year, personnel costs alone on account of the new minimum wage will eat up the N40 billion budgetary envelope,” he added.
Yakubu also highlighted the financial strain experienced in previous years, noting that INEC required intervention funds of N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024 and an additional N500 million for bye-elections in affected constituencies.
The presentation appeared to convince members of the joint committee, with several lawmakers voicing support for the proposed allocation.
Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The situation at hand is not about looking for the N126 billion for INEC in 2025 fiscal year but providing it.”
Following the session, the committee went into a closed-door meeting with INEC officials to discuss strategies for sourcing the required funds and ensuring the proposed amount is appropriated in the 2025 budget.
