Ex-Lawmaker Criticizes INEC’s ₦126bn Budget Proposal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing scrutiny over its ₦126 billion budget request for 2025, a non-election year.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, presented the proposal during a budget defense session at the National Assembly Complex on Friday, explaining that the funds are needed to sustain operations and commence preparations for the 2027 general elections.

However, former Taraba State Senator, Abubakar Yusuf, has labeled the request excessive, questioning the justification for such a large allocation in the absence of major elections.

Concerns Over INEC’s Oversight and Spending
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Yusuf argued that INEC’s inefficiency in managing political parties and ensuring credible primaries contributes to inflated costs and unnecessary litigation.

He urged the commission to enforce stricter oversight of political parties, ensuring transparency and fairness in primaries to reduce financial waste.

"₦126 billion is excessive for a non-election year," Yusuf stated. "While costs have risen, better management of political parties and election processes would significantly reduce expenses. INEC must assert itself and ensure political parties conduct primaries with minimal litigation."

Yusuf also criticized INEC’s budgeting approach, referring to it as an "envelope system" where funds are allocated before clear planning occurs.

“This method leads to resource abuse. INEC must prioritize proper planning before requesting such large sums,” he added.

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Skepticism Over Long-Term Budgeting
The senator questioned the logic of budgeting two years ahead for the 2027 elections, suggesting it might be a strategy to secure unnecessary funding.

He also dismissed infrastructure and administrative cost justifications, calling for greater transparency and accountability in INEC’s financial planning.

Broader Governance Issues
Beyond INEC, Yusuf highlighted systemic governance challenges, particularly in combating corruption.

He criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prioritizing prosecution and recovery of looted funds over preventive measures.

“Since the EFCC Act of 2003, the focus has been on recovering stolen funds instead of preventing theft. Out of $2.5 billion in alleged looted funds, only $52 million has been recovered,” Yusuf noted.

He also pointed to the role of banks in facilitating financial crimes, calling for stricter regulatory oversight to curb such practices.

Management of Recovered Loot
Yusuf expressed concerns over foreign-imposed conditions on the use of recovered funds, such as the Abacha loot.

“These funds should go directly into Nigeria’s federation account and be used at the government’s discretion. Allowing external entities like the World Bank to dictate their usage undermines our sovereignty,” he argued.

Security and Military Reform
On security, Yusuf criticized the Nigerian government’s approach to addressing rising insecurity, particularly in the northeast.

He cited inadequate motivation, poor training, lack of proper equipment, and insufficient intelligence undermining military effectiveness.

Yusuf also emphasized better coordination between the armed forces, particularly the air force and ground troops, to combat insurgents more effectively.

“The lack of synergy within the military is a major setback. With proper coordination, we can achieve better results in tackling insurgency,” he concluded.

The senator’s remarks reflect growing concerns over governance, financial prudence, and security management in Nigeria.

FAQs

• Why is INEC requesting ₦126 billion for 2025, a non-election year?

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained that the funds are needed to sustain the commission’s operations and begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

• Why is the budget being criticized?

Former Senator Abubakar Yusuf described the budget as excessive and questioned the need for such a large allocation in a non-election year. He argued that better oversight of political parties and election processes could reduce financial waste.

• What is the “envelope system” mentioned by Senator Yusuf?

The “envelope system” refers to a budgeting approach where funds are allocated before detailed planning. Yusuf criticized this method, suggesting it leads to resource mismanagement and inefficiency.

• How does INEC’s management of political parties impact costs?

Yusuf argued that INEC’s failure to enforce transparent and credible party primaries leads to unnecessary litigation, which inflates the overall cost of managing elections.

• What alternative strategies did the senator suggest for INEC?

Yusuf called for stricter oversight of political parties, better planning, and prioritizing transparency to reduce costs. He also emphasized the need for INEC to adopt a more accountable budgeting process.