DAILY BULLETIN
VOLUME: 2 N0:346 DATE: JANUARY 11, 2025
INEC CHAIRMAN ADVOCATES INCREASED BUDGETARY ALLOCATION TO STRENGTHEN ELECTORAL PROCESSES IN 2025
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has presented a compelling case for an increased budgetary allocation to facilitate the Commission’s operations in the 2025 fiscal year.
He made this appeal during a budget defense session with the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly Complex on Friday, January 10, 2025. The Commission’s proposed budget, which includes a significant funding increase, underscores the financial challenges INEC faces in conducting elections and fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
Highlighting the financial constraints from the 2024 fiscal year, Prof. Yakubu explained that INEC was allocated N40 billion, an amount insufficient to cover anything beyond personnel costs and social contributions. He detailed how this allocation left critical activities unfunded, such as the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and voter redistribution to polling units. “While we received all the funds allocated for 2024, the N40 billion was only enough to pay consolidated salaries, allowances, and statutory social contributions. Unfortunately, many operational activities had to be shelved,” he stated.
Prof. Yakubu added that the Commission had to approach the Executive for supplementary funding of N10.5 billion, primarily to conduct the Edo and Ondo governorship elections. However, this funding still fell short of the Commission’s operational requirements, leaving several by-elections unaddressed. “We’ve conducted nine of the required bye-elections, but as of today, 11 by-elections remain pending,” he noted.
As Prof. Yakubu transitioned to the 2025 budget proposal, he revealed that the funding envelope provided by the Ministry of Finance remains unchanged at N40 billion—the same allocation as 2024. This stagnation comes despite increased demands and rising operational costs. “With a workforce of over 14,700 personnel, including 51 political officeholders, and the introduction of a new minimum wage, the N40 billion allocation cannot even cover personnel costs adequately,” he emphasized.
To address these challenges and effectively plan for upcoming electoral activities, he said INEC has proposed a budget of N126 billion for 2025. Prof. Yakubu outlined key areas requiring immediate funding:
1. Off-Cycle Elections: Preparations for the Anambra governorship election, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, and Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory require significant financial input.
2. Continuous Voter Registration (CVR): Resuming CVR at over 8,800 centers nationwide is essential to ensure that Nigerians who have come of age can register to vote.
3. Replacement of Damaged Materials: The Commission must replace over 440 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, ballot boxes, and voting cubicles lost to attacks and fires during past electoral exercises. Despite insurance claims amounting to N205 million, the funds have been remitted to the federal treasury, leaving INEC to source replacement funds.
4. Rehabilitation of Infrastructure: INEC manages over 860 facilities nationwide, including 774 local government offices and 37 state offices. Many require urgent rehabilitation.
5. Preparations for 2027 General Elections: Early planning for the next general elections necessitates activities such as voter redistribution and procurement of essential materials.
Prof. Yakubu stressed that “the proposed budget is not just about conducting elections but ensuring that INEC’s role as an electoral commission is robustly supported. Our mandate extends beyond balloting to include voter registration, political party regulation, and constituency creation.”
To address the constraint of high cost of elections in Nigeria, the INEC Chairman proposed exploring sustainable funding mechanisms. He suggested that a percentage of the Federation Account allocation be dedicated to electoral activities, reducing the federal government’s exclusive burden. He also advocated for legislative reforms to streamline by-elections and minimize their financial and operational demands.
“We must find a more cost-effective way of dealing with elections,” Prof. Yakubu argued. He pointed to practices in other countries, such as the United States, where vacancies in legislative bodies are often filled by gubernatorial appointment rather than expensive by-elections.
INEC has made 142 recommendations in its review report, eight of which pertain directly to the National Assembly. Prof. Yakubu urged lawmakers to collaborate with the Commission in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need for a major conversation about the future of election management in Nigeria.
“As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we must confront the realities of our electoral system and ensure adequate funding to uphold the credibility and integrity of elections,” he concluded.
Editor in Chief: Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi
Editor: Esther Chibuikem
Reporter: Nathaniel Audu Gana