The Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria (INEC), has set aside N3bn to defend itself against over 100 petitions filed by losing candidates in the February 25 presidential and national assembly election and the March 18 governorship and state assembly polls.
Among the petitions is one filed by Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
Election petition tribunals in more than 12 states have received petitions from candidates not satisfied with the results of the elections, with some of the candidates protesting the results in Ogun and Nasarawa states.
INEC has budgeted N2.1bn and N3.1bn for 2022 and 2023, respectively, for litigation and prosecution.
The commission has also set aside N886.2m for legal drafting and clearance in 2022 and 2023.
The Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Grand Alliance have criticised the commission for spending too much money on defending itself against petitions, but the All Progressives Congress said it was within the commission’s right to defend itself.
