INEC Chairman Dismisses Claims of Cash Support from International Development Partners for 2023 General Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, clarified on Monday that the commission did not receive any cash support from international development partners to conduct the 2023 general election.

During a meeting with Civil Society Organisations to review the 2023 general election, Prof. Yakubu addressed the impression that INEC had received significant sums of money from development partners for the election. He made it clear that the commission solely received cash support from the federal government.

Prof. Yakubu stated, “It is necessary to seize this opportunity to correct the impression in some sections of the public that the Commission received huge sums of money from development partners for the election. On the contrary, and for the avoidance of doubt, the Commission did not receive any direct funding or cash support from international development partners.”

He emphasized that the commission’s policy has long been to refrain from accepting direct funding or cash transfers from sources other than the federal government of Nigeria.

The support provided by international development partners, Prof. Yakubu explained, came in the form of technical advice, civic and voter education, organization of meetings, capacity-building workshops, and publication of documents.

The INEC Chairman expressed gratitude to civil society organizations and development partners for their significant support during the 2023 General Election. Their contributions played a crucial role in providing technical expertise and enhancing voter education, contributing to the successful conduct of the election.

The clarification from Prof. Yakubu aims to dispel any misunderstandings regarding the financial support received by INEC during the election and reaffirm the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.