The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s decision to earmark ₦135.22 billion for anticipated election litigations ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the move signals troubling priorities for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the civil society organisation described the allocation as excessive, opaque, and indicative of a system preparing for electoral disputes rather than credible elections.
The Federal Government had proposed ₦873.78 billion for the 2027 general elections, alongside ₦171 billion for the 2026 operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dr. Zikirullahi noted that buried within the Service Wide Votes is a new budget line allocating ₦135.22 billion, about 15.48 percent of the total election budget, for election-related lawsuits.
According to the group, the sudden appearance of this provision in the revised 2026 budget, without prior inclusion in earlier drafts, raises serious questions about transparency and intent.
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“This provision is not only excessive, it is deeply troubling, the statement read, stressing that the lack of clarity on how the funds would be utilised further undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
CHRICED argued that INEC already operates legal departments across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, tasked with managing electoral disputes.
It said allocating such a large sum for litigation suggests an expectation of widespread electoral failure rather than a commitment to preventing disputes.
The organisation posed several critical questions, asking whether the government is preparing for credible elections or “budgeting for electoral chaos,” and why more resources are being channelled into resolving disputes instead of preventing them.
It also raised concerns about the growing role of the judiciary in determining electoral outcomes, warning that such a trend could erode the principle that elections should be decided by voters at the polls.
“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with inflation, unemployment, poverty, and rising public debt, allocating ₦135.22 billion to anticipated election disputes is both insensitive and irresponsible,” CHRICED stated.
The group warned that such spending reflects a governance culture that normalises dysfunction and risks deepening public distrust in democratic institutions.
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It added that preparing financially for large-scale litigation sends a dangerous message that electoral irregularities are expected and tolerated.
CHRICED further cautioned that the implications for public trust could be severe, potentially fueling voter apathy and weakening the legitimacy of future elections.
Describing the allocation as a misplacement of national priorities, the organisation argued that even a fraction of the litigation budget, if invested in preventive reforms such as voter education, improved logistics, reliable technology, transparent result management, and better training for electoral personnel, would significantly enhance electoral credibility.
It also noted that the funds could have been directed toward critical sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and power, which directly impact citizens’ welfare.
The group called on the Federal Government to provide full disclosure and justification for the allocation, including clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms.
It also urged authorities to reprioritise electoral spending toward reforms that strengthen transparency and efficiency, while enhancing INEC’s independence.
CHRICED further advocated reducing reliance on post-election litigation by ensuring that election outcomes reflect the genuine will of the people.
“Nigeria cannot continue to institutionalise electoral dysfunction or normalise budgeting for its consequences,” the statement concluded, adding that the integrity of elections must be protected at the source rather than contested in courtrooms.
The organisation urged the government to restore credibility, rebuild public trust, and ensure that Nigeria’s democracy truly reflects the will of its citizens.