A wave of criticism has adopted the Federal Authorities’s choice to allocate ₦135.22 billion for post-election litigation forward of the 2027 common elections.
Civil society organisation ActionAid Nigeria described the transfer as extreme and troubling, warning that it displays weak electoral governance and misplaced nationwide priorities.
In an announcement, the group argued that the allocation suggests an expectation of widespread electoral disputes as a substitute of efforts to make sure credible and clear elections.
“This isn’t only a budgetary concern; it’s a governance disaster,” the organisation stated, including that the dimensions of the allocation is unprecedented in comparison with earlier years.
Knowledge from Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) confirmed litigation prices had been about ₦2.1 billion in 2022 and ₦3.08 billion in 2023, making the proposed ₦135 billion allocation a pointy enhance.
Nation Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, warned that the event displays a shift towards managing electoral crises quite than stopping them.
He highlighted gaps in Nigeria’s electoral framework, together with uncertainties round digital transmission of outcomes, noting that reforms on this space may scale back disputes and strengthen public belief.
The organisation additionally criticised the allocation as a misalignment of priorities, particularly amid {economic} hardship, insecurity, and underfunded public providers.
It warned that such spending may burden the judiciary, delay justice, and enhance the price of political participation.
ActionAid Nigeria referred to as on Bola Tinubu to evaluation the funds and redirect funds towards strengthening electoral programs earlier than elections.
“The true take a look at of electoral integrity shouldn’t be what number of instances are received in court docket, however how few disputes come up,” the group acknowledged.
By Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria