The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has disclosed that the commission would need N305 billion to conduct the 2023 general elections as well as off-circle elections scheduled for 2022.
Yakubu noted that the 2022 Appropriation bill had made provision for the sum of N140b of which N40b is for regular budget of the commission while the remaining N100 billion is for the preparation of the 2023 general elections.
He said the N100 billion earmarked in the Appropriation bill was grossly inadequate, hence the need for additional N205 billion.
The INEC boss further added that the commission has eight bye elections pending, including Ekiti and Osun governorship elections which will require more funds.
He also disclosed that there are some activities that must be concluded before the elections, such as voter registration, printing of ballot papers and other sensitive materials, provision for logistics, payment of adhoc staff and cost of litigation.
