It sparked a national debate over what it truly costs to run credible elections in Nigeria and whether the price tag has finally crossed a line for a country struggling under economic strain.

A Budget That Redefined the Conversation

INEC’s proposal earmarks N379.75 billion for core operations, including logistics and allowances for ad-hoc staff. Another N92.32 billion covers administrative activities, while N209.21 billion goes toward technology upgrades, including accreditation systems. Capital projects amount to N154.91 billion, of which N42.61 billion is dedicated to voter education, monitoring, and related essentials.

Beyond the 2027 election budget, the commission presented a separate N171 billion request for its 2026 operational year, covering personnel costs, overheads, and preparations for off-cycle polls.

When combined, the figures heightened public anxiety and triggered questions about priorities, transparency, and efficiency.

The Cost of Elections in a Complex System

Nigeria’s sprawling electoral infrastructure, with more than 170,000 polling units across varying terrain, makes election administration uniquely complex. Persistent security challenges also increase operational costs, as multiple agencies coordinate the nationwide movement of sensitive materials and personnel.

INEC insists the requested funds are essential for technology upgrades, staff training, logistics planning, and collaboration with security agencies.

But critics counter that rising election costs point to structural inefficiencies the commission has yet to resolve.

As Nigeria’s democracy enters its third decade, many argue that spiralling expenses must be interrogated, not normalised.

A Public Backlash Rooted in Hardship

The reaction to the trillion-naira proposal was swift and fierce. Nigerians across socioeconomic classes, students, traders, civil society groups, business owners, and political commentators, voiced concern that such spending is grossly misaligned with current realities.

With food prices soaring, fuel costs fluctuating, and electricity supply remaining erratic, the idea of devoting nearly N1 trillion to elections felt, for many, like a painful mismatch between government priorities and everyday struggles.

Transparency Concerns Deepened The Scepticism

Several watchdog groups and commentators demanded a more detailed justification of the budget, warning that public trust in election management is already fragile.

In an interview with our correspondent in Abuja, Dr. Christian Okeke, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, described the budget as outrageous, noting that the country’s economic challenges demand more prudent spending.

He argued that if such an enormous sum is to be spent largely on ad-hoc arrangements for a single election cycle, then Nigeria must rethink its electoral model entirely. Okeke called on INEC to invest in long-term, sustainable systems rather than temporary structures that require massive recurring expenditures. He urged the federal government to channel more resources into reducing unemployment and addressing the country’s worsening security situation.

Civil Society Pushes For Transparency and Value

Speaking with LEADERSHIP Weekend, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at YIAGA Africa, noted that while the proposed figure may appear shocking, elections are inherently expensive. Still, she stressed that Nigerians have a right to demand transparency, efficiency, and genuine value for money.

She argued that the real issue is not the size of the budget but whether INEC can deliver elections that inspire confidence, increase voter participation, and demonstrate integrity in procurement, logistics, and technology deployment.

Mbamalu also pointed out that election budgets are tied to the number of registered voters, making voter turnout vital. “We cannot continue spending heavily only for fewer than 30% of voters to participate,” she said.

Political Voices Call for Scrutiny

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Emebong, told our correspondent that the critical issue is not the total amount but the breakdown.

According to him, preliminary information from legislative hearings suggests that some components may not be directly tied to election conduct. He urged the National Assembly to thoroughly scrutinise each budget line in light of Nigeria’s current economic realities.

Beyond The Numbers: A Question of Trust

At the heart of the controversy is a deeper concern: citizens want elections that justify their cost. With inflation eroding incomes and public trust in institutions under strain, Nigerians are demanding assurances that every naira allocated to elections translates into transparency, efficiency, and credible outcomes.

The debate over INEC’s N873.78 billion request is ultimately a debate about democratic values. Nigerians are asking whether the price of elections reflects their quality,  and whether the system delivers enough to warrant the rising cost.

LEADERSHIP