INEC Clarifies Funding Sources, Reaffirms Independence.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has reiterated that the Commission does not receive direct funding from the European Union (EU). He made this clarification during a meeting with the newly appointed EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Addressing concerns about INEC’s financial support from foreign partners, Prof. Yakubu emphasised that any external assistance is limited to technical aid, consultancy services, and capacity-building initiatives, all of which are channelled through implementing partners selected by donor agencies.
“The EU and other development partners provide indirect support in areas such as the publication of reports, retreats, stakeholder engagement, and consultancy. Their support does not involve any direct funding of core electoral activities like voter registration, production of PVCs, training and remuneration of ad hoc staff, or electoral logistics. These activities remain the sovereign responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he stated.
Ambassador Mignot commended Nigeria for its progress in democratic governance, describing the country’s democracy as crucial to regional stability. He stressed the need for a credible electoral system that earns the trust of citizens and stakeholders.
“Without a credible electoral system that enjoys the trust of citizens and stakeholders, there can be no good democracy,” he remarked.
The EU Ambassador also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty while continuing to provide expertise to strengthen the country’s electoral process.
