The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has strongly defended the commission’s proposed N126 billion budget for 2025, addressing concerns over its necessity in a non-election year.
Yakubu explained that while N85 billion is allocated for personnel costs, the remaining funds will support electoral activities, including early preparations for the 2027 general elections. Speaking before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly, he emphasized the rising costs of running the electoral process.
Why So Much in a Non-Election Year?
INEC’s budget request has sparked public debate, with many Nigerians questioning the need for such a large allocation. Addressing these concerns at a consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja, Yakubu clarified that the commission’s budget has remained N40 billion for both 2024 and 2025, despite increasing operational expenses.
“It’s not all about elections,” he stressed. “Out of the N126 billion, N85 billion is strictly for personnel costs, leaving just over N40 billion for actual electoral activities.”
Breaking Down the Numbers
According to Yakubu:
- INEC has 15,000 permanent staff but requires nearly one million ad hoc staff during elections.
- Nigeria has 177,000 polling units, each requiring at least four officials.
- INEC operates offices in all 774 local government areas, plus 37 state offices and various zonal storage facilities for election materials.
“INEC and the police are among the few institutions with functional offices in every local government,” he noted, justifying the personnel budget.
Cracking Down on Electoral Offences
Beyond budgeting, Yakubu also revealed that 774 electoral offenders from the 2023 general election are currently facing prosecution across Nigeria.
He highlighted the landmark conviction of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State, a case that took nearly six years to reach trial court. Collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has led to convictions in Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe states, particularly in cases of vote-buying.
However, he lamented the slow judicial process, stating that “electoral offences are not time-bound, unlike post-election tribunal cases,” making swift justice difficult.
Bottom Line
While critics question the N126 billion budget request, INEC argues that sustaining Nigeria’s electoral system requires year-round funding, not just during elections. With a massive workforce, logistical challenges, and ongoing legal battles against electoral malpractice, the commission insists that every naira is accounted for.
