Nigeria may spend close to N900 billion to conduct its 2027 general elections, continuing a steady upward trajectory of past elections history in Nigeria since 1999.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a budget of N873.78 billion for the exercise, according to a submission made to the National Assembly in February 2026. This represents a 145 per cent increase from the N355.3 billion spent on the 2023 elections. 

INEC attributes the proposed increase to the growing complexity of election logistics, the expansion of technology, and the overall cost of administering a nationwide poll. According to the commission’s breakdown, the largest share of the budget is allocated to election operations, followed by spending on technology, capital projects, and administrative needs, alongside a smaller portion for miscellaneous expenses. In addition, N135.22 billion has been proposed separately for post-election litigation and related obligations, described as “Electoral Adjudication and Post Election Provision.” 

The proposed budget for the 2027 general elections also exceeds the N40 billion initially allocated by the federal government for the commission’s 2025 election expenses. INEC, however, maintained that the amount was insufficient, prompting the National Assembly to recommend an increase to N140 billion.

The scale of the proposed spending has drawn scrutiny from some stakeholders, including opposition voices, who argue that rising election costs raise questions about efficiency and electoral outcomes.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), criticised the provision, saying, “It is on the very high side. Apart from the fact that INEC has a legal department that serves all its offices in the 36 states of the Federation, INEC does not pay more than N3 million per brief, even to a senior advocate. This is due to the fact that INEC maintains a neutral position in the majority of pre-election cases.” 

Timeline of Election Budget

The proposed 2027 budget fits into a broader historical pattern. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, election spending has increased with each cycle, rising from N32 billion in 1999 to over N355 billion in 2023. In nominal terms, this represents more than a tenfold increase over two decades.

Over the last 27 years, the cost of running elections in Nigeria has grown steadily, driven by expanding logistics, increased personnel requirements, and the adoption of new technologies. 

While part of this growth can be attributed to inflation and population expansion, the pace of increase suggests deeper structural cost pressures within Nigeria’s electoral system.

Dataphyte’s review of past elections showed that over N900 billion has been spent across seven election cycles in Nigeria since its return to democratic governance in 1999.

The 1999 general election cost about N32 billion and led to Olusegun Obasanjo becoming president. In 2003, spending rose by 72 per cent to roughly N55.2 billion, and Obasanjo was re-elected. By 2007, costs had increased by 34 per cent to about N74.2 billion, bringing Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to power.

The 2011 election saw a 34 per cent increase to approximately N99.7 billion, resulting in the election of Goodluck Jonathan, while the 2015 polls cost around N122.9 billion, leading to the victory of Muhammadu Buhari.

Also, election spending continued to rise in subsequent cycles. The 2019 general election cost about N242.2 billion, a 97 per cent increase on the previous election’s budget, and Buhari secured re-election. In 2023, INEC spent about N355.3 billion, a 47 per cent increase on the previous year, culminating in the election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Source: Dataphyte