Civic technology and election integrity group, Citizen Monitors, has raised concerns over the reported ₦1.01 trillion earmarked for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing the proposed figure as excessive and poorly justified.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation’s spokesperson, Olajumoke Alawode-James, said the scale of the allocation appears disconnected from clear performance benchmarks, especially in the absence of reforms addressing past electoral shortcomings.
She argued that committing over one trillion naira to elections comes at a time when Nigeria is facing rising insecurity, deteriorating infrastructure and mounting fiscal strain, making transparency and accountability even more critical.
According to Citizen Monitors, Nigeria spent more than ₦300 billion on the 2023 general election, yet the process was plagued by technical failures, logistical setbacks and disputes over polling unit results, leaving unresolved questions about credibility.
The group noted that no comprehensive public audit has been released to explain how the 2023 election funds were spent, identify system failures or outline corrective measures ahead of 2027.
Alawode-James said increasing the election budget without first fixing existing institutional and technological gaps would not guarantee credible polls, warning that expensive elections do not automatically translate into democratic legitimacy.
She added that in countries facing economic and security challenges, elections risk becoming symbolic exercises rather than genuine expressions of the popular will if transparency is lacking.
Citizen Monitors is calling for a full forensic audit of the 2023 election expenditure, alongside a detailed, line-by-line breakdown of the proposed 2027 budget. The group also wants funding tied to measurable outcomes, including secure electronic processes, reliable result transmission and clear performance indicators.
In addition, the organisation is advocating independent oversight by citizens and civil society groups, as well as public access to polling unit results and election-related procurement records.
The group stressed that while credible elections are essential to national stability, public trust can only be earned through openness, accountability and verifiable processes rather than high spending alone.
