INEC Seeks N126bn Budget Approval for 2025: Key Areas of Focus Revealed
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed key areas in which the commission will need additional funding in 2025 to strengthen its operations ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Yakubu made these remarks while defending INEC’s 2025 budget proposal before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Friday.
Critical Funding for Election Logistics and Voter Registration
In his presentation, Prof. Yakubu highlighted several critical areas that would benefit from the proposed N126 billion budget. Among these, he emphasized the importance of securing additional resources for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, logistical support for off-cycle elections, and the replacement of damaged election materials such as Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS), ballot boxes, and voting cubicles. The commission also plans to allocate funds for the repair of INEC offices in Local Government Areas, ensuring their functionality and readiness for future elections.
Preparing for 2027: The Importance of Timely Funding
Yakubu pointed out that 2025 is a pivotal year for preparations for the 2027 General Elections. With this in mind, he stressed the urgency of receiving the required funds on time to ensure smooth operations and avoid delays in critical election processes. The Chairman reiterated INEC’s commitment to strengthening the electoral system and sustaining Nigeria’s democracy through continuous improvement of its processes.
Clarifying PVC Concerns: No Plans to Destroy Uncollected Cards
In addition to the budget discussions, Yakubu addressed concerns regarding the over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) dating back to 2015. The commission clarified that reports claiming it intended to destroy the uncollected PVCs were inaccurate. “The report is incorrect,” INEC stated, explaining that at no point did the commission contemplate the destruction of these uncollected cards. This clarification comes in response to public concerns over the future of uncollected PVCs.
INEC remains committed to ensuring a transparent, credible, and accessible electoral process, with continued focus on improving voter participation and election infrastructure leading into the 2027 elections.
