The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion allocated to it in the proposed 2025 budget, advocating instead for the N126 billion it initially proposed to the National Assembly through its joint committee on INEC and Electoral Matters.
The rejection was formally conveyed by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during the budget defense session held on Friday before the joint committee, chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South). Professor Yakubu emphasized that conducting elections in Nigeria has become an enormous financial burden that requires adequate funding.
“Our proposal for the 2025 budget requires over N126 billion. We have provided a detailed, line-by-line breakdown of how we intend to spend this amount. We seek the National Assembly’s support to enable us to fulfill our constitutional responsibilities, which fall under the first-line charge,” Yakubu stated.
He explained that the N40 billion budgetary allocation would not even cover one-third of INEC’s projected expenses for 2025, which total over N126 billion.
“Aside from off-cycle elections in 21 constituencies to be filled through by-elections and the Anambra governorship election this year, personnel costs—largely due to the new minimum wage—will consume the entire N40 billion allocation,” he said.
Yakubu further highlighted that similar funding inadequacies in 2024 had necessitated intervention funds of N10.5 billion for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, along with an additional N500 million for by-elections in affected constituencies.
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Members of the joint committee appeared convinced by INEC’s proposal. Several committee members, including Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), assured the electoral body that the proposed N126 billion would be considered for appropriation in the 2025 budget.
“This is not about whether we should provide the N126 billion for INEC; it is about ensuring that the full amount is made available,” Senator Kingibe stated.
Following the open session, the joint committee entered a closed-door meeting with INEC Chairman Professor Yakubu and other Federal Commissioners to deliberate on potential funding sources and the appropriations needed to include the proposed sum in the 2025 budget.
