Politics
Nearly N1trn For Polls? INEC’s Election Budget Sparks Nationwide Debate
The proposal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to spend N873.78 billion on the 2027 general elections has ignited widespread debate, with lawmakers, civil society groups and ordinary Nigerians questioning the rising cost of democracy.
The budget request, submitted to the National Assembly of Nigeria, has triggered scrutiny amid worsening economic conditions marked by inflation, currency instability and surging living expenses.
Breakdown of the Proposal
INEC’s proposal allocates N379.75 billion for core election operations, including logistics and allowances for ad-hoc staff.
Administrative expenses account for N92.32 billion, while N209.21 billion is earmarked for technology upgrades such as accreditation systems.
SEE MORE: PDP No Longer Home To Vagabonds – Makinde Declares
The commission also set aside N154.91 billion for capital projects, with N42.61 billion dedicated to voter education, monitoring and related activities.
In addition to the 2027 election budget, INEC presented a separate N171 billion request for its 2026 operational year, covering personnel costs, overheads and preparations for off-cycle elections.
The combined figures have fueled public anxiety, pushing the total close to the N1 trillion mark.
Public Reaction and Economic Concerns
The announcement has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters. Many Nigerians argue that the timing of the proposal is insensitive, given the financial strain faced by households.
With food prices rising, fuel costs fluctuating and power supply challenges persisting, critics say the scale of the election budget appears disconnected from the country’s immediate socio-economic priorities.
Experts Call for Reform
Dr. Christian Okeke of Nnamdi Azikiwe University described the budget as excessive, urging a rethink of Nigeria’s electoral model to reduce recurring costs.
He argued that if such enormous sums are required for every election cycle, the country must invest in long-term, sustainable electoral systems instead of temporary arrangements that demand heavy spending.
Civil Society Demands Transparency
Cynthia Mbamalu of YIAGA Africa acknowledged that elections are inherently expensive but stressed that transparency and accountability must guide the spending.
According to her, Nigerians are less concerned about the headline figure and more interested in whether the funds will translate into credible, efficient and trustworthy elections.
She also noted that low voter turnout undermines the value of heavy financial investment in polls.
PDP Seeks Legislative Scrutiny
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Emebong, called on lawmakers to thoroughly examine each line of the budget.
He maintained that while elections require significant funding, the National Assembly must ensure that all allocations are directly tied to delivering transparent and credible polls.
Beyond the Numbers
As debate continues, many observers say the controversy reflects a broader concern about trust in public institutions.
For citizens grappling with economic hardship, the question remains whether the cost of elections justifies the outcomes.
Politics
Shettima Arrives Jigawa for APC Presidential Campaign Rally, Tinubu to Inaugurate Four Projects
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima arrived at the Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi International Airport, Dutse, where he was received by Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, alongside governors from other states.
SEE ALSO: Shettima Heads to Ebonyi for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
The Vice President’s arrival was disclosed on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
Those present included Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, APC stakeholders and other prominent political figures from across the country were also present to welcome the Vice President.
Before proceeding to the Dutse Township Stadium for the campaign rally, Shettima is expected to accompany President Tinubu to inaugurate four projects in the state.
The projects include the Renewed Hope Technical Services Centre, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multipurpose Skills Acquisition Centre, Jigawa State’s agricultural mechanisation programme and a dualised road project in Dutse.
The initiatives are aimed at strengthening technical education, promoting skills acquisition, improving agricultural mechanisation and enhancing road infrastructure across the state.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Stanley Nkwocha disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, announcing the Vice President’s visit to Ebonyi State for the campaign rally.
The rally is scheduled to take place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, as part of the APC’s campaign activities under the Renewed Hope agenda.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
The announcement called on residents and party supporters to turn out in large numbers to welcome the Vice President, describing the event as an opportunity for massive political mobilisation.
“One city. Thousands of voices. An atmosphere of incredible energy,” the statement said.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the judiciary against allowing itself to be used to undermine democracy following the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The party expressed concern that the judgment, alongside other recent court decisions involving opposition parties, could weaken Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and restrict political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SEE ALSO: APC Pressuring Hotels to Deny Opposition Parties Venues – NDC Raises Alarm
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq. On Friday, the NDC said the manner in which some judgments, particularly those emanating from High Courts, were being delivered raised concerns about a possible attempt to exclude the ADC from the forthcoming elections.
While acknowledging the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the party warned that court decisions capable of weakening opposition parties could create the impression that the judicial system was being used to frustrate democratic competition.
“The way some of these judgements are being churned out, especially from the High Courts suggests a deliberate effort to shut out the ADC from the forthcoming general elections by other means,” the statement read.
The NDC further argued that such developments could shrink the space for multi-party democracy, which it said was already facing significant threats under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party consequently urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence, impartiality and integrity, stressing the need to protect public confidence in the institution.
It also called on the ADC to appeal the judgment without delay, urging the appellate court to grant an accelerated hearing to ensure the leadership dispute does not linger ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the NDC, resolving the matter promptly would prevent uncertainty from undermining democratic participation and the ability of political parties to prepare for the forthcoming polls.
The party concluded its statement with the declaration: “A New Nigeria is Possible!”
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