INEC REJECTS ₦40 BILLION BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR 2025, DEMANDS OVER ₦126 BILLION

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected the N40 billion allocated to it in the 2025 federal budget, describing the figure as grossly inadequate for its constitutional responsibilities.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented the commission’s case during a budget defense session at the National Assembly on Friday. Addressing the joint committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Sarafadeen Alli (APC, Oyo South), Yakubu emphasized the increasing financial burden of conducting elections in Nigeria.

“Our proposal for the 2025 budget, the provision requires the sum of over ₦126 billion. We have the document that has provided details line by line on how we intended to spend the ₦126 billion,” Yakubu stated.

He further appealed for the National Assembly’s support to ensure the commission fulfills its constitutional duties effectively. 

“We would like the support of the National Assembly to enable us to achieve our responsibilities in the first line charge, and most of these responsibilities are constitutional,” he said.

Yakubu highlighted the severe inadequacy of the ₦40 billion allocation, noting that it wouldn’t cover even one-third of INEC’s projected expenses for 2025. 

“In a nutshell, the ₦40 billion budget envelope given to us for 2025 will not cover 1/3 of projected expenses which totally amounts to over ₦126 billion,” he said.

He pointed out that the financial requirements include off-cycle elections for 21 constituencies, bye-elections, and the Anambra governorship election. 

Additionally, personnel costs, particularly in light of the new minimum wage, would consume the entire ₦40 billion budgetary allocation.

Yakubu also referenced past interventions necessitated by budgetary shortfalls, such as the ₦10.5 billion secured for Edo and Ondo elections in 2024 and another ₦500 million for bye-elections that year.

Responding to Yakubu’s appeal, members of the joint committee assured INEC of their commitment to revising the budget allocation. One after another, the lawmakers pledged to ensure that the electoral body receives the necessary funds to carry out its constitutional mandate effectively.

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, the outcome of this budget review will play a crucial role in determining the preparedness of INEC to manage the electoral process and uphold Nigeria's democratic values.