Conducting elections in Nigeria is a significant burden – INEC Chairman
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concern over the rising costs of conducting elections in Nigeria, describing the expenses as unsustainable. Speaking during the defense of the 2024 budget implementation before the National Assembly, Yakubu revealed that INEC’s budget has been significantly slashed from the ₦80 billion requested to ₦40 billion, creating financial strain on the commission’s operations.
Yakubu called for a collaborative retreat between lawmakers and INEC to address Nigeria’s electoral funding challenges and explore sustainable solutions. Highlighting the poor state of infrastructure, he disclosed that 860 INEC buildings across the country urgently need repairs.
The chairman urged the National Assembly to approve the proposed ₦126 billion budget to ensure the commission can meet its responsibilities without further constraints.
