INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted the financial strain of conducting elections in Nigeria, revealing a reduced budget of N40 billion. He urged the National Assembly to collaborate with INEC on solutions, calling for better funding to address deteriorating facilities and ensure efficient electoral operations.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has raised concerns about the financial challenges faced by the electoral body in Nigeria. Speaking before the National Assembly on Friday, Yakubu described the cost of organizing elections as a huge burden, citing a reduced budget allocation of N40 billion for 2024, a significant cut from the requested N80 billion.
Yakubu highlighted that despite INEC being one of the country's largest employers, the current budget limitation has hindered the commission’s ability to perform its duties effectively. He called on lawmakers to arrange a retreat to foster collaboration between the legislature and INEC, in a bid to explore solutions that would ease the electoral process.
In addition, Yakubu expressed alarm at the poor condition of INEC’s facilities, particularly the 860 buildings nationwide, which are in dire need of repairs. With this in mind, he urged the National Assembly to approve the electoral body’s proposed 126 billion naira budget to ensure proper functioning.
Yakubu’s comments underscore the increasing financial strain on INEC as it works to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s elections. He emphasized the need for adequate resources to support the commission’s ongoing operations, calling for a more sustainable and collaborative approach to tackling electoral challenges in the country.
