INEC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Rising Election Costs and Budget Shortfalls

INEC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Rising Election Costs and Budget Shortfalls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating costs of conducting elections in Nigeria. During a session on Friday to defend the 2024 budget implementation before the National Assembly, Yakubu described the expenses as excessive and burdensome.

He highlighted that INEC, one of Nigeria's largest employers, is currently operating with a reduced budget of N40 billion, which is significantly lower than the N80 billion initially requested. This funding shortfall, he noted, has strained the commission's capacity to effectively fulfill its electoral responsibilities.

To tackle these financial challenges, Yakubu proposed that lawmakers organize a retreat aimed at fostering collaboration between the legislature and INEC to devise sustainable solutions to Nigeria's electoral funding issues. "We need a major conversation; the commission cannot continue conducting elections all year round," he emphasized.

Additionally, Yakubu pointed out the poor state of INEC's infrastructure, revealing that 860 buildings across the country are in urgent need of repairs. He urged the National Assembly to approve the commission's proposed N126 billion budget, which he believes is essential for INEC to carry out its duties without further financial strain.