CHRICED Slams ₦135bn Election Litigation Budget, Warns Of Rising Public Distrust
At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, a fresh budget provision for anticipated election disputes is stirring concern over the country’s democratic direction.
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to earmark ₦135.22 billion for election-related litigation ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing it as a troubling sign that electoral disputes are being normalised rather than prevented.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED said the litigation vote, tucked into the revised 2026 budget under Service Wide Votes, accounts for 15.48 per cent of the proposed ₦873.78 billion election budget.
The civic group said the allocation raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability and the government’s commitment to credible polls.
CHRICED noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) already has legal departments across the 36 states and the FCT to handle electoral disputes, making the additional allocation appear excessive and unjustified.
According to the organisation, budgeting such a huge amount for legal battles suggests an expectation of widespread electoral failures instead of efforts to strengthen voter education, improve logistics, deploy reliable technology and ensure transparent result management.
CHRICED warned that such spending could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, deepen voter apathy and weaken the legitimacy of future elections.
The group also argued that the funds could be better invested in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, power and security, which have a more direct impact on citizens’ wellbeing.
It therefore called on the Federal Government to fully explain the purpose of the litigation fund, redirect electoral spending towards preventive reforms, strengthen INEC’s independence and reduce reliance on courts to determine election outcomes.
CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said Nigeria must stop institutionalising electoral dysfunction and instead protect the integrity of elections from the outset.
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