See the Billions of Naira INEC Requested for 2026 Operations, Decries Insufficient N40 Billion Allocation
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, revealed on Friday that the Commission would require approximately N126 billion to fund its activities in 2026 and initiate preparations for the 2027 general elections.
While defending the Commission’s 2025 budget proposal before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Prof. Yakubu expressed concerns that the proposed N40 billion allocation for 2025 was grossly insufficient. This amount, he explained, would not cover the Commission’s operations, including staff salaries and allowances, especially in light of recent increases in the national minimum wage.
In 2024, INEC had been allocated the same N40 billion, which only covered basic expenses like salaries and mandatory social contributions such as pension and health insurance. Despite raising concerns last year, the Commission’s suggestion for an N80 billion budget was not approved. Efforts to secure additional funding from the Executive for the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections led to an additional N10.5 billion, which allowed the Commission to successfully conduct those elections.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted the significance of 2025 for the Commission, as it is a crucial year with multiple elections and preparations. Not only is the Commission tasked with preparing for the Anambra governorship election, but it also needs to budget for the 2026 Area Council elections, monitor party primaries, and handle any necessary by-elections. Additionally, the 2027 general elections are on the horizon, with preparations like the Continuous Voter Registration and voter redistribution requiring substantial funding. These activities have not been adequately budgeted for in the current proposal.
The INEC Chairman also mentioned that 11 by-elections would be held in 2025 due to resignations and deaths of elected officials, with an estimated N500 million allocated for this purpose. However, this sum is unlikely to cover the full cost of these elections.
Highlighting the Commission’s sizable workforce of over 14,700 staff, excluding political appointees, Prof. Yakubu pointed out that the N40 billion allocation fails to account for rising operational costs or the increase in the minimum wage. He also noted that the Commission owns over 850 buildings nationwide, many of which are in need of renovation, and that offices at the local government and ward levels must also be maintained.
In addition to infrastructure, Prof. Yakubu revealed that INEC has lost around 440 BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) machines since the 2023 general elections. While the Commission received an insurance payout of N205 million for the damaged equipment, it was paid directly into government coffers, not to INEC.
Senator Ireti Kingibe responded to the INEC Chairman’s presentation, stressing that the National Assembly must secure adequate funding to ensure the Commission’s independence and enable it to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
Similarly, Adeboye Paul expressed concerns about the dangers of continuing to rely on local governments to supplement funding shortages, warning that this undermines the integrity of the electoral process. Both senators emphasized the importance of finding a sustainable solution to INEC’s funding challenges to safeguard the country’s democracy.
The budget discussion was followed by a closed-door executive session with the INEC Chairman, accompanied by seven National Commissioners and Directors.
