Nigeria has spent nearly N1 trillion on elections since 1999, yet rising costs have coincided with increasing disputes and declining credibility.
Nigeria has spent a staggering N981.47 billion ($5.48 billion) on seven general elections since returning to civil rule in 1999, making its polls among the costliest globally, Vanguard reports. Data show costs rising steadily from N32 billion ($1.46 billion) in 1999 to N355.3 billion ($815 million) in 2023, despite declining credibility and surging legal challenges. Petitions grew from just two in 1999 to 1,996 after the 2023 vote.
Analysts blame corruption, repeated voter registration, replacement of destroyed equipment, and “do-or-die” politics. “For every election since 1999, the INEC has embarked on voters registration,” the report noted, citing extensive spending on machines, logistics, and security.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu defended rising budgets, saying higher staff allowances and new technology required additional funds. Yet incidents of ballot snatching, falsified results, and malfunctioning BVAS devices persist. With projections that the 2027 polls may cost about N700 billion, critics warn Nigeria is spending more but achieving less credible elections.