INEC Chairman decries cost of Conducting Elections in Nigeria

By Miracle Ogunde

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, says financial strain has placed on the commission’s ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively.

This is as he decried the cost implications of conducting elections in Nigeria as exorbitant and burdensome.

He appealed to the national assembly to organize a retreat where both the legislature and INEC can collaborate, exchange ideas, and find solutions to the pressing issues affecting the electoral process in Nigeria.

Yakubu stated this on Friday while defending the 2024 budget implementation before the National Assembly.

According to him, despite INEC being one of the largest employers in the country, it operated on a reduced budget of N40 billion, significantly lower than the N80 billion initially requested.

“We need a major conversation, the commission cannot continue conducting elections all year round,” he said.

He further lamented the deteriorating state of INEC’s facilities, particularly the 860 buildings across the country, which are in urgent need of repair.

Yakubu, therefore, called on the National Assembly to ensure that the electoral body, which has now submitted a 126 billion naira budget proposal, receives adequate funding.