₦1 TRILLION TO CONDUCT ELECTIONS? Nigerians Must Ask Hard Questions as INEC Demands Massive Funding for 2027 Polls

₦1 TRILLION TO CONDUCT ELECTIONS? Nigerians Must Ask Hard Questions as INEC Demands Massive Funding for 2027 Polls
In a country where millions of citizens can barely afford food, electricity, or basic healthcare, Nigeria’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has made a shocking request: a staggering ₦873.78 billion — nearly ₦1 trillion — to conduct the 2027 general elections.
Yes, you read that correctly. Nearly one trillion naira just to organize elections.
This revelation has sparked serious concerns among Nigerians already burdened by rising inflation, fuel costs, and economic hardship.
The Big Question: Why Is Democracy Becoming So Expensive?
INEC claims the massive budget is necessary to cover:
Election logistics nationwide
Technology upgrades and electronic systems
Administrative and operational costs
Infrastructure and capital expenses
But many Nigerians are asking a more fundamental question:
Why does the cost of elections keep rising, while the quality of governance keeps declining?
In 2023, INEC spent about ₦313 billion. Now, just four years later, the Commission wants almost three times that amount.
Has Nigeria’s democracy improved threefold? Most citizens would say no.
Nigerians Are Paying More, But Getting Less
This request comes at a time when:
Millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive
Electricity remains unreliable
Universities lack proper funding
Hospitals are under-equipped
Youth unemployment remains dangerously high
Yet, the government can potentially approve nearly ₦1 trillion for elections.
This raises legitimate fears that elections in Nigeria are becoming a financial industry rather than a democratic process.
Trust Deficit: Nigerians Demand Accountability
Many citizens still remember the controversies surrounding the 2023 elections, including:
Technical failures
Result transmission delays
Questions about transparency
Now, INEC is asking Nigerians to trust it with nearly ₦1 trillion more.
Naturally, Nigerians want answers:
What exactly will this money be used for?
Why is election technology still unreliable after billions spent?
Who will monitor and audit this massive spending?
What guarantees exist that 2027 will be different?
Democracy must not become a blank cheque.
Democracy Should Serve the People — Not Drain Them
Elections are essential, but they must not become an endless financial burden on citizens already suffering economic hardship.
The Nigerian people deserve:
Transparent budgeting
Clear breakdown of costs
Strict monitoring of election funds
And most importantly, credible elections that reflect the will of the people
Not just expensive elections.
The Bottom Line
₦1 trillion is not just a number. It represents schools that could be built, hospitals that could be equipped, roads that could be repaired, and lives that could be improved.
If INEC truly needs this money, Nigerians deserve full transparency, accountability, and results — not excuses.
Because democracy is not just about voting.
It is about trust.
And trust must be earned — not funded.