ActionAid Nigeria Critiques ₦135bn Election Litigation Budget

ActionAid Nigeria expressed dismay over the Nigerian government's decision to earmark ₦135 billion for post-election litigation in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Dr. Andrew Mamedu, the country director, highlighted that this allocation is unjustifiable, especially when compared to previous election cycles where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allocated approximately ₦2.104 billion in 2022 and ₦3.087 billion in 2023 for litigation.

Mamedu's statement, issued on Wednesday in Abuja, raised serious concerns about the priorities within Nigeria's electoral system. He criticized the government for failing to address the root causes of electoral disputes and instead normalizing excessive public spending.

The proposed budget for the electoral process is seen as a burden on the judiciary and a hindrance to efficient governance. ActionAid Nigeria called for the president to decline assent to the current budget proposal and reassess the ₦135 billion allocation, emphasizing the need to strengthen the electoral framework and prevent future crises.