Kehinde Fajobi
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has raised concerns about the rising cost of conducting elections in Nigeria, describing it as unsustainable and burdensome.
Speaking on Friday while defending the 2024 budget implementation before the National Assembly, Yakubu highlighted the financial challenges facing the commission.
He noted that INEC operated on a reduced budget of ₦40 billion, far below the ₦80 billion initially requested.
“This financial strain has significantly impacted our ability to effectively carry out our responsibilities,” he said.
To address these challenges, Yakubu called for a retreat involving lawmakers and INEC to discuss and find solutions to the pressing issues affecting the electoral process.
“We need a major conversation; the commission cannot continue conducting elections all year round,” he stated.
The INEC chairman also expressed concerns over the state of the commission’s infrastructure, noting that 860 buildings across the country require urgent repairs.
Yakubu appealed to the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding for INEC, which has submitted a ₦126 billion budget proposal for consideration.