Is Nigeria election becoming expensive, let's hear what citizens are saying..

Nigeria's democracy is facing challenges that raise concerns about its effectiveness. The country's democratic system is often criticized for being more focused on elections rather than delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposed a total sum of ₦873.7 billion for the conduct of the 2027 General Elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan had presented the commission’s proposed budget in line with Section 3(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 during a session with the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters at the National Assembly.

The budget which runs into billions of Naira has reignited the debate on the high cost of elections in Africa's most populous country.

As the debate continues, CBI News brings you exclusive reactions from various part of the country.

2027 Elections: FCT Residents Demand Transparency and Credibility

We begin in Abuja where residents of the Federal Capital Territory are voicing their expectations from both the electoral body and the electorate.

Their expectations followed the announcement by the National Electoral body that February 20 has been scheduled for the presidential election and March 6 for the governorship and state assembly elections.

The electoral umpire is also proposing a budget of ₦873.78 billion to execute the process.

The proposed amount has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with some citizens describing it as exorbitant, especially amid concerns about transparency and credibility in previous electoral cycles.

In his submission, Emmanuel Joseph an Abuja resident said that Nigerians bear the greater burden of the cost of running elections, as taxpayer funds are used to finance the entire process.

He called for accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public resources to justify such a significant allocation.

For his part, Ahmed Yakubu blamed political actors for the anomaly. He stated that many politicians have developed the habit of vote buying and winning elections by any means necessary, and as a result, often seek to recoup their expenditures once they assume office.

Furthermore, Debola Adeyanju stressed the need for the electorate to look beyond political parties and focus more on the character, competence, and track record of individual candidates. According to him, this shift in perspective would significantly improve the credibility and overall outcome of elections.

Audu John expressed a divergent view, alleging that both the electoral umpires and the electorate are complicit in corrupt practices. He argues that votes rarely count in determining electoral outcomes.

His remarks reflect a growing sense of disenchantment among some citizens, underscoring concerns about trust, accountability, and the perceived value of individual participation in the democratic process.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, all eyes remain on the Independent National Electoral Commission, political actors, and the electorate to deliver a credible process.

Maiduguri Residents Call for Spending Limits to Curb Electoral Malpractice

From Borno, Residents of Maiduguri, believe election expenses fuel corruption, as politicians will have to recoup investments through questionable means after their victory at the poll.

They called for limits on campaign spending, Control on vote-buying corrupt which they said was detrimental to Nigeria's democracy.

‎Abdullkarim Haruna, chairman of the National Union of Journalists in Borno highlights the role of godfatherism in elections.

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Plateau Residents say Election Corruption Strangling Democracy

Meanwhile, Residents of Plateau state are expressing deep frustration over the rising cost of elections and the prevalence of vote buying.

They describe the practices as existential threats to Nigeria's democracy which disenfranchise the poor and empower corrupt godfathers.

Across Plateau State, a bitter sentiment is taking hold among the electorate: that their votes have been reduced to commodities in a corrupt marketplace.

As Nigeria navigates a series of off-cycle elections and the 2027 general elections, the people of Plateau are speaking out against what they see as the primary ailment crippling the nation's progress.

Jamilu Iliyasu and Abubakar Nasiru highlight reasons why corruption has eaten deep into Nigeria's election.

Simone Alexander and Felicia Tosin described the situation as outrageous.

Kosi Lucky, a trader said "godfathers" remain central to the success of candidates, controlling access and influence.

Is Nigeria's Democracy Becoming a Marketplace?

As Nigeria prepares for the next electoral cycle, the soaring cost of politics is drawing intense scrutiny. With INEC’s budget approaching one trillion naira and nomination forms running into millions, experts warn that the ballot box is fast becoming a marketplace. CBI News spoke to Rivers residents who joined the growing calls for a spending ceiling on the election to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

For many Nigerians, the road to public office is no longer seen as a call to service, but a high-stakes financial investment.

Kentebe Ebiaridor of Environmental Rights Action says the enormous cost of securing party nomination forms and running campaigns has entrenched a “recoupment culture,” where elected officials focus on recovering expenses rather than serving the people.

Election analyst Obinna Ebogidi notes that the financial barrier sidelines competent individuals with genuine intentions to serve, while those with deep pockets dominate the political space.

Respondents say that despite repeated calls for independent candidacy as a way to reduce entry costs, the current legal framework still requires party affiliation, effectively placing control in the hands of party structures often influenced by money.

A rights advocate, Ejit Josiah, called for a strict cap on campaign spending, arguing that such a measure would shift attention from financial strength to intellectual capacity and leadership competence.

Observers also warn that vote-buying has become both a global and local “incentive,” steadily eroding the true essence of democracy.

Activists insist that until politics becomes less financially attractive as a business venture, corruption will remain embedded in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Experts are suggesting the consolidation of election windows into a single day to reduce logistics costs and limit opportunities for vote-buying, which often begins long before ballots are cast.

With concerns mounting over the commercialisation of politics, stakeholders say urgent reforms are needed to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy remains driven by ideas and integrity not by the highest bidder.

Lagosians Express Divergent Views on Proposed 2027 Elections Budget

And in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria citizens have continued to express divergent views over the proposed N873 billion budget for the conduct of the 2027 elections in the country.

Charity, a businesswoman in Lagos, described the amount as excessive. She frowned at spending N873 billion on elections especially at a time when the nation is grappling with economic hardship.

According to her, part of the money should be channelled toward boosting the economy and addressing critical sectors that directly impact citizens.

Emmanuel, a civil servant shared a different perspective. He said he believes the relevant authorities must have carefully evaluated the requirements before arriving at the figure.

He added that he is confident the funds will be judiciously spent to ensure a credible electoral process.

However, Moses Uwah, a trader, expressed doubt that the money would be properly managed. He stated that past cases of corruption have weakened public trust in the handling of large public funds.

While acknowledging concerns about accountability, he stated that if the funds are transparently and effectively utilised, then the amount may not necessarily be too much.

Also speaking, Azuh Eze, a trader in the Bariga area of Lagos, urged the electoral body to reduce its financial request, stressing that the country faces numerous pressing challenges.

She pointed out that N873 billion could go a long way in addressing the needs of internally displaced persons and tackling widespread hunger across the country.

CBI News reports that a breakdown of the proposed budget shows that ₦375.748 billion is earmarked for election operations, ₦92.3 billion for election administrative costs, ₦209.2 billion for election technology, ₦154.9 billion for capital costs, and ₦41.6 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

According to documents presented by INEC, the proposal also includes a significant upward review of allowances for corps members participating in the elections.

Experts suggest that Nigeria needs a diversified economy, anti-corruption reforms, and infrastructure development to strengthen its democracy. They also emphasize the importance of promoting political inclusivity, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability.