INEC to NASS: We Need ₦126 Billion for 2025 Operations

• INEC Boss, Yakubu Mahmood Says 40Billion not enough to operate in 2025
• Requests for 126 Billion Naira
• Says INEC needs to replace Equipment and Pay Salaries 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has announced that the commission needs about ₦126 billion to carry out its activities in 2025 and to start preparing for the 2027 general elections.

While presenting INEC’s 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Prof. Yakubu explained that the ₦40 billion allocated to the commission in the 2025 national budget is only enough for salaries and allowances, including the new minimum wage. He said this amount does not cover other critical needs.

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Challenges with Past Allocations

Prof. Yakubu shared that in 2024, INEC also received ₦40 billion, which only covered salaries and social contributions like pensions and health insurance. He mentioned that the commission had requested ₦80 billion at the time, but the request was not approved. To conduct the Edo and Ondo governorship elections in 2024, INEC had to secure an additional ₦10.5 billion from the executive.

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Critical Needs in 2025

The INEC Chairman highlighted several activities that require funding in 2025, including:

1. Anambra Governorship Election: Scheduled for later in the year, but no funds have been allocated for it.

2. Area Council Elections: These are set for February 2026, but preparations must begin in 2025.

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3. Party Primaries and Bye-Elections: INEC must monitor these, but no provision has been made in the budget.

4. Continuous Voter Registration (CVR): This essential exercise, which must be completed by 2026, has not started due to a lack of funds.

5. Redistribution of Voters: To address overcrowded polling units, voter redistribution must begin, which also requires funding.

Prof. Yakubu also noted that INEC has about 11 bye-elections to conduct in 2025 due to deaths and resignations, but the ₦500 million obtained for this purpose is insufficient.

Additional Challenges

INEC employs over 14,700 staff, excluding political appointees like 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners and 12 National Commissioners. The commission also manages over 850 buildings nationwide, many of which need repairs.

Additionally, INEC plans to replace damaged equipment like BVAS machines, voting cubicles, and other materials. Since 2023, the commission has lost 440 BVAS machines. While ₦205 million in insurance claims was collected, the funds went to government accounts, not directly to INEC.

NASS Reaction

Senator Ireti Kingibe, a member of the committee, emphasized the importance of adequately funding INEC to ensure it operates independently and protects democracy. She assured that the National Assembly would find ways to meet the commission’s financial needs.

The budget defence ended with a closed-door session between the INEC Chairman, seven national commissioners, and committee members.

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