Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Mahmood Yakubu has disclosed that the commission will require N305 billion to conduct the 2023 general elections.
The commission according to Yakubu had received first tranche of N100billion.
The INEC Boss noted that there is an outstanding of N205 billion to enable the commission to conduct the 2023 elections.
“Even if you give us all the money now, we cannot spend all now” he said.
Yakubu spoke on Monday at a meeting with the Senate Committee on Appropriation held at the National Assembly.
He stated that N100billion was for pre election activities.
The INEC boss also noted that the amount will enable the commission to prepare for the election and purchase all the election materials needed and also cover several bye-elections across the country.
Also speaking, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), said “today’s meeting is for the INEC to give explanation where there is gap”.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation Senator Jibrin Barau, assured that “senate will like to provide fund for INEC to undertake seamless election.
“We will do our best and we are determined to provide adequate and more funding for INEC”.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting, Barau stated that “tomorrow unfailingly, we are going to lay it (budget) for passage, we are going to submit and consider. The presentation will be tomorrow and the consideration will be tomorrow.
“We are proceeding to put together our report for onward submission to plenary tomorrow, God willingly” he added.
