The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion allocated for it in 2025 budget, advocating for the N126 billion it proposed to the National Assembly through its joint committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu rejected the N40 billion allocation on Friday during a budget defense session before the joint committee of the National Assembly chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South).
Prof. Yakubu emphasised that conducting elections in Nigeria has become a significant burden that necessitates adequate funding.
“Our proposal for the 2025 budget requires over N126 billion,” he maintained, adding, “We have detailed documentation outlining how we intend to allocate this amount.”
Yakubu appealed to the National Assembly to support the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, highlighting that the N40 billion allocation would cover less than one-third of the projected expenses, which exceed N126 billion.
He noted that aside from the off-cycle elections for 21 constituencies and the Anambra governorship election this year, personnel costs resulting from the new minimum wage would consume the entire N40 billion budget.
He added that the inadequacy of the N40 billion allocation forced INEC to seek intervention funds of N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo elections in 2024, as well as an additional N500 million for bye-elections in affected constituencies.
Members of the joint committee expressed their support for INEC’s proposal, assuring the electoral body that the requested sum would be appropriated in the 2025 fiscal budget.
A member of the Committee, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) remarked that, “The situation at hand is not just about looking for the N126 billion for INEC in the 2025 fiscal year but ensuring it is provided.”
Following these discussions, the joint committee entered a closed-door session with the INEC Chairman and Federal Commissioners to strategise on sourcing and appropriating the necessary funds for the 2025 budget.
