CHRICED slams ₦135bn litigation budget, warns of electoral crisis ahead of 2027

Michael Olumide

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s decision to earmark ₦135.22 billion for anticipated election-related litigations ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the move could deepen public distrust and signal a troubling shift in Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a strongly worded press statement signed by its Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation described the allocation as excessive, opaque, and indicative of a system preparing for electoral disputes rather than working to prevent them.

According to CHRICED, the Federal Government has already proposed a staggering ₦873.78 billion for the conduct of the 2027 general elections, alongside an additional ₦171 billion earmarked for the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission in 2026.

However, the inclusion of a separate ₦135.22 billion litigation budget, reportedly embedded within the Service Wide Votes, has sparked widespread concern among stakeholders.

The group noted that the litigation fund alone represents approximately 15.48 percent of the total election budget, describing its sudden appearance in the revised 2026 budget, despite being absent in earlier drafts, as a major red flag.

“This provision is not only excessive but deeply troubling,” CHRICED stated, questioning the lack of transparency surrounding the allocation and its intended use. The organisation warned that such ambiguity risks further eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s already fragile electoral system.

CHRICED also pointed out that INEC maintains functional legal departments across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the statutory responsibility to handle electoral disputes. It argued that the additional ₦135.22 billion allocation suggests an institutional expectation of widespread electoral conflict, rather than a commitment to credible and dispute-free elections.

Raising critical national questions, the organisation asked whether the government is preparing for credible elections or “budgeting for electoral chaos.” It further queried why significant resources are being channelled into resolving disputes instead of investing in preventive measures that would minimize the occurrence of such conflicts.

The group expressed concern that the development could signal an increasing reliance on the judiciary to determine election outcomes, thereby undermining the role of voters and weakening democratic principles.

“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,” the statement read.

CHRICED argued that in a functional democracy, elections should be decided at polling units, not in courtrooms. It warned that preparing financially for large-scale litigation sends a dangerous message that electoral irregularities are expected and, perhaps, even tolerated.

The organisation further cautioned that the implications for public trust are profound. With confidence in democratic institutions already strained, such a budgetary decision could fuel voter apathy, widen the disconnect between citizens and government, and ultimately undermine the legitimacy of future elections.

Highlighting alternative priorities, CHRICED stressed that even a fraction of the litigation budget, if invested in preventive reforms, could significantly enhance electoral credibility. These reforms include voter education, improved logistics, deployment of reliable technology, transparent result management systems, and comprehensive training for electoral personnel.

Beyond the electoral process, the group noted that the ₦135.22 billion could make meaningful contributions to critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and power, areas that directly impact the daily lives of Nigerians.

Describing the allocation as a misplacement of national priorities, CHRICED called on the Federal Government to provide full public disclosure and justification for the litigation fund, including clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms.

It also urged authorities to reprioritize electoral spending toward preventive strategies, strengthen INEC’s independence, and reduce reliance on post-election litigation by ensuring that elections genuinely reflect the will of the people.

“Nigeria cannot continue to institutionalize electoral dysfunction or normalize budgeting for its consequences,” the statement concluded. “The integrity of elections must be protected at the source, not negotiated in court after the fact.”

As debates over electoral reforms and governance priorities intensify ahead of 2027, CHRICED’s warning adds to growing calls for transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to democratic ideals in Nigeria.