The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested ₦126 billion to fund its operations in 2025 and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
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The appeal was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the defense of the Commission’s 2025 budget proposal at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.
Prof. Yakubu expressed concern over the ₦40 billion allocated to INEC in the 2025 budget proposed by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as grossly inadequate, particularly with the increased minimum wage and rising inflation.
“In 2024, we received ₦40 billion, which barely covered salaries and social contributions like NHIS, pensions, and ITF. We requested ₦80 billion to meet our needs, but despite efforts by the National Assembly, the allocation remained unchanged. This year, we are facing even greater challenges,” Yakubu said.
The INEC boss highlighted several critical activities requiring immediate funding, including the Anambra governorship election, Area Council elections in 2026, and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He emphasized the need to resume continuous voter registration, redistribute voters from overcrowded polling units, and replace damaged electoral equipment like the BVAS machines.
Yakubu revealed that between the 2023 general elections and now, the Commission had lost 440 BVAS machines but managed to secure an insurance claim of ₦205 million, which was paid directly to government coffers.
He also lamented the deteriorating state of INEC’s infrastructure, noting that over 850 buildings nationwide require renovation.
Additionally, INEC plans to relocate 59 local government offices from unsuitable headquarters, with a target to move at least 30 in 2025.
Reacting to Yakubu’s presentation, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) stressed the importance of adequate funding for INEC, stating, “INEC must be independent, and we must provide the necessary resources to uphold the integrity of our democracy.”
Similarly, Adeboye Paul, a member of the House of Representatives, called for a more transparent funding process to prevent undue reliance on the executive.
“If INEC continues to go cap in hand to the executive for funds, it undermines democracy. We must act decisively to secure its independence,” he said.
The budget defense concluded with a closed-door session between INEC officials and the joint committee, as stakeholders deliberated on how to address the funding gap and safeguard the nation’s electoral processes.