The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised a red flag over the Federal Government’s allocation of ₦135.22 billion for anticipated election litigations ahead of the 2027 polls, describing the move as a normalization of dysfunction.
A Troubling Financial Blueprint
In a strongly worded press statement released on April 10, 2026, the advocacy group expressed profound alarm at the emergence of the massive litigation fund within the Service Wide Votes. This specific allocation accounts for 15.48% of the total ₦873.78 billion proposed for the 2027 general elections, a figure CHRICED argues is both excessive and opaque.
The group noted that while the government has already earmarked ₦171 billion for INEC’s 2026 operations, the sudden appearance of the ₦135.22 billion litigation line which was absent in earlier budget drafts suggests a lack of transparency regarding the government’s true intentions.
Budgeting for Chaos, Not Credibility
CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, questioned why the government is investing so heavily in legal battles rather than focusing on the integrity of the ballot box.
“Allocating an additional ₦135.22 billion for litigation suggests an institutional expectation of widespread electoral failure rather than a commitment to preventing disputes in the first place,” Zikirullahi stated. “Is the government preparing for credible elections or budgeting for electoral chaos?”
The organization further argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) already maintains legal departments across all 36 states and the FCT. The massive additional funding, they claim, signals a dangerous shift toward a judiciary-led democracy where courtrooms, rather than polling units, decide the fate of elections.
Misplacement of National Priorities
The report highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s electoral spending and the economic reality of the average Nigerian. With the country currently grappling with soaring inflation, rising unemployment, and crushing public debt, CHRICED labeled the litigation vote as insensitive and irresponsible.
The group maintained that a fraction of the ₦135.22 billion could be better utilized to:
-
Fund preventive reforms, such as improved logistics and voter education.
-
Enhance technology for transparent result management.
-
Revitalize critical sectors like healthcare, education, and security.
A Call for Transparency
CHRICED warned that preparing financially for large-scale litigation sends a demoralizing message to the electorate, which could deepen public distrust and fuel voter apathy.
To mitigate a total collapse of confidence in democratic institutions, the group demanded a full public disclosure and justification for the allocation, alongside a shift in spending toward reforms that ensure elections reflect the genuine will of the people.
The integrity of elections must be protected at the source—not negotiated in court after the fact, the statement concluded.
Share this
