The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has decried the cost implications of conducting elections in Nigeria, describing it as exorbitant and burdensome.

 

Yakubu stated this on Friday while defending the 2024 budget implementation before the National Assembly.

 

According to him, despite INEC being one of the largest employers in the country, it operated on a reduced budget of N40 billion, significantly lower than the N80 billion initially requested.

 

The INEC boss stressed the financial strain this has placed on the commission’s ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively.

 

He appealed to the lawmakers to organize a retreat where both the legislature and INEC can collaborate, exchange ideas, and find solutions to the pressing issues affecting the electoral process in Nigeria.

 

“We need a major conversation, the commission cannot continue conducting elections all year round,” he said.

 

He further lamented the deteriorating state of INEC’s facilities, particularly the 860 buildings across the country, which are in urgent need of repair.

 

Yakubu, therefore, called on the National Assembly to ensure that the electoral body, which has now submitted a 126 billion naira budget proposal, receives adequate funding.