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Nearly N1trn For Polls? INEC’s Election Budget Sparks Nationwide Debate

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INEC Officials Held Captive Over Missing Declaration Form

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

Political Bombshell: Kwankwaso’s Son Joins Kano Governorship Race

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A major political development has emerged in Kano State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, officially entering the race as the running mate to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The announcement was disclosed on Monday by the spokesperson of the Kwankwassiya Movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, who confirmed that Mustapha Kwankwaso had been selected as Gwarzo’s deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming election.

ALSO READ: NNPC Boosts Orthopaedic Healthcare, Donates MRI Equipment at Kano

“Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has been unveiled as the running mate to His Excellency Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo for the 2027 governorship election,” Mohammed stated.

Mustapha Kwankwaso, a businessman and politician, is widely recognized as one of the prominent figures within the Kwankwassiya political movement, a powerful political bloc founded by his father and known for its strong influence across Kano State.

His emergence on the NDC ticket is already generating discussions among political stakeholders, with many viewing the move as a strategic attempt to tap into the widespread support base associated with the Kwankwasiya movement.

Political observers believe the partnership between Gwarzo and Mustapha Kwankwaso could reshape the political dynamics in Kano as parties begin positioning themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship election.

The development also signals the growing involvement of a new generation of political actors in Kano politics, while highlighting the enduring influence of the Kwankwaso political family in the state’s affairs.

With more than a year before campaigns fully gather momentum, the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket is already attracting attention and could become one of the most closely watched political alliances in Kano ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Mourinho Returns as Pérez Secures Landslide Victory in Real Madrid Election

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Real Madrid president Real Madrid has confirmed the return of José Mourinho after incumbent president Florentino Pérez secured a landslide victory in the club’s presidential election, extending his rule until 2030.

Pérez won re-election with a commanding 65% of the vote, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme, who secured 35%, according to the club’s Electoral Board.

The result reinforces Pérez’s long-standing leadership, which has now spanned more than two decades across two separate terms.

SEE ALSO: Bruno Lage Sacked As Benfica Move To Secure Mourinho

Speaking after his victory, Pérez described the outcome as a strong endorsement of his vision for the club’s future, insisting that Real Madrid will continue to thrive both on and off the pitch.

The president also used the moment to confirm a major sporting development—the return of José Mourinho, a move that immediately sparked excitement among supporters.

Mourinho, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at the club, is widely regarded as one of the most influential managers in modern football.

Pérez said the club remains committed to competing at the highest level in Europe, with ambitions of securing a record-extending 16th UEFA Champions League title while continuing the redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

He also reaffirmed his stance on the club’s ownership model, stressing that Real Madrid will remain a member-owned institution despite growing global trends toward private ownership in football.

The announcement has been widely interpreted as the beginning of a new competitive era for the Spanish giants, with expectations rising among fans following both the election result and Mourinho’s return.

Pérez ended his address with a call for unity among supporters, including those who did not vote for him, promising to continue addressing concerns while focusing on sporting success.

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2027: Oborevwori, Omo-Agege Trade Fresh Blows Over Tinubu, Obi Endorsements

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The political rivalry between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has escalated once again as both men exchanged heated words ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The confrontation follows renewed political realignments in Delta State, including Governor Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he previously defeated in the 2023 governorship election.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Tinubu Will Defeat Atiku If Election Is Rigged — Babachir

Oborevwori has since pledged full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing the President as his “number one project” and a key political ally whose victory would benefit Delta State.

However, Omo-Agege, who recently left the APC for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accused the governor of political fear and abandoning party structures in the state.

“He is not a threat” — Oborevwori

Responding to criticisms, Governor Oborevwori dismissed Omo-Agege’s political relevance, insisting he poses no electoral threat.

“He is not a threat because I’ve won him before,” the governor said, adding that many of the senator’s supporters had already left him before his exit from the APC.

Oborevwori also accused Omo-Agege of political betrayal, claiming he had previously turned against key figures who supported his rise.

“He betrayed James Ibori, he betrayed Great Ogboru, he betrayed O’tega Emerhor. So if he says he wants to betray me, he’s not a threat,” he stated.

“He panicked and ran into APC” — Omo-Agege

Omo-Agege fired back, alleging that the governor defected to the APC out of fear of losing political ground.

“The governor panicked, chickened out, and ran into the APC,” he said.

He insisted that his performance in the 2023 elections proved his continued strength in Delta politics, particularly in Delta Central.

“If Sheriff believed I was not a threat, why didn’t he stay back in the PDP and take me on in 2027?” he asked.

Governance and ₦3.15 trillion controversy

Both politicians also clashed over governance performance and state finances.

Oborevwori defended his administration, saying infrastructure development had improved across all local government areas, with contractors being paid promptly.

“First time in history, no contractor is being owed,” he said, citing ongoing projects such as Effurun Roundabout, DSC Roundabout, and PTI Junction.

Omo-Agege, however, described the administration as underperforming despite receiving over ₦3.15 trillion in three years.

He alleged that about ₦750 billion remained idle in the Central Bank of Nigeria while critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure suffer neglect.

Tinubu vs Obi political divide deepens
The rivalry has also taken a national dimension, with both politicians backing different presidential candidates for 2027.

Oborevwori declared support for President Tinubu, calling him Delta’s “in-law” and urging residents to back his re-election.

“Tinubu is my number one project,” he said.
Omo-Agege, on the other hand, declared his support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi, stating that he would contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“My presidential candidate in 2027 is Peter Obi,” he said.

Political tensions rise ahead of 2027
Observers say the renewed exchange signals an early start to a high-stakes political battle in Delta State, with shifting alliances and competing loyalties likely to shape the 2027 elections.

With both camps firmly entrenched in opposing political directions, Delta State is expected to remain a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s unfolding political landscape.

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