Prof. Yakubu also lamented the deteriorating state of INEC’s facilities, particularly its 860 buildings across the country
By Kehinde Okeowo
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has argued that the financial strain on the electoral body is responsible for its inability to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
He made this known on Friday while defending his organization’s 2024 budget before the National Assembly.
According to the INEC boss, despite being one of the largest employers in the country, his commission operated on a reduced budget of N40 billion, which is significantly lower than the N80 billion proposed last year.
Prof. Yakubu went on to appeal 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.
He, 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.
