The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked mixed reactions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition parties over its recent budget request of approximately N125 billion for 2025.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, made the request on Friday while presenting the commission’s budget proposal before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly Complex.
The funds are intended to cover INEC’s operations in 2025, as well as to initiate preparations for the 2027 general election.
The request has prompted sharp criticism from the opposition, while the ruling APC has called for a detailed breakdown of the funds.
Opposition Parties Raise Concerns
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused INEC of planning to use the funds to reward officials involved in alleged electoral misconduct.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, condemned the request, labelling the N125 billion as “reward money” for electoral mismanagement.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the electoral body’s track record in recent elections, saying, “Despite the promises of technological improvements, we all saw what happened during the presidential and gubernatorial elections. Now, the commission is asking for reward money.”
Osadolor went on to question the need for such a substantial sum, particularly given the country’s economic challenges and the fact that 2025 is not a general election year.
He argued that INEC had no moral justification for requesting such a large amount, pointing out the over N200 billion the commission had already received over the last three years for elections.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged INEC to implement cost-cutting measures to alleviate the financial burden amid Nigeria’s economic constraints. NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, emphasised the need for the commission to explore cost-saving alternatives, such as collaborating with banks for voter registration, which could save substantial costs.
Johnson expressed concern over the timing of the request, noting that 2025 is not a general election year and questioned the justification for such a large budget proposal.
He called on the National Assembly and other relevant bodies to critically review INEC’s demand.
Support from the African Democratic Congress
In contrast, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed support for INEC’s request, citing the challenges the commission faces due to the undemocratic behaviours of Nigerian politicians.
ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, argued that the N125 billion request reflects the burden placed on INEC by the nation’s political environment, which often involves election-related litigation and the management of electoral violence.
Nwosu acknowledged that while the sum may seem large, the commission’s role in maintaining Nigeria’s democracy justifies adequate funding.
He highlighted that INEC’s responsibilities extend beyond merely conducting elections and include overseeing party primaries and managing electoral disputes. According to Nwosu, the financial demands placed on INEC are a direct result of the excesses of Nigeria’s politicians.
Labour Party Supports INEC’s Request with Reservations
The Labour Party (LP) also aligned with Nwosu’s stance, recognising the challenges INEC faces in overseeing elections.
LP National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, noted that many Nigerians do not fully appreciate the volume of work INEC handles. However, Edun expressed caution, pointing out that public concerns about the commission’s ability to deliver credible elections have undermined trust in the process.
He called for a thorough examination of INEC’s spending, urging that the funds be used judiciously to enhance the credibility and efficiency of future elections.
While acknowledging the need for adequate funding, Edun stressed that Nigerians would only be satisfied if the funds translated into more transparent and reliable elections.
APC Urges Scrutiny of INEC’s Request
The ruling APC, on the other hand, has called for a careful review of INEC’s budget proposal. National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, emphasised that INEC’s responsibilities go beyond organising elections.
The commission also monitors party activities, registers voters, and scrutinises political party reports and records. Ibrahim stated that INEC must provide a detailed breakdown of how the requested funds will be allocated, particularly since there are no general elections scheduled for 2025.
He urged Nigerians not to jump to conclusions about the N125 billion request without understanding the full scope of INEC’s work, highlighting that the commission’s functions are year-round, not just limited to election periods.
As the National Assembly prepares to review INEC’s budget proposal, the debate over the commission’s funding continues to divide political parties.
While opposition parties have raised concerns about the size of the request, others believe it is necessary to ensure the effective functioning of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The outcome of this debate will shape the future of Nigeria’s elections and the credibility of the institutions overseeing them.
