Independent National Electoral Commission is experiencing delays in conducting seventeen by-elections across the country due to financial constraints.
These elections cover seventeen constituencies across thirty-two local government areas, three hundred and fifty-nine registration areas, and over seven thousand polling units nationwide.
The commission proposed one hundred and twenty-six billion naira for its 2025 operations, with part of the budget specifically allocated for the conduct of by-elections.
However, the funding remained the primary hurdle.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, had earlier informed the National Assembly that the 2024 budget made no provision for by-elections, making the commission reliant on the prompt approval and release of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
He also expressed concern about the increasing number of by-elections, often triggered by resignations or absenteeism, which he said placed additional pressure on INEC’s resources and planning.