2027 Elections: N10bn Presidential Campaign Limit “Encourages Corruption” — Idowu

Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, has condemned the proposed N10 billion spending ceiling for the 2027 presidential election, describing it as a potential avenue for corruption.

Speaking on Arise News, Idowu argued that the figure is grossly unrealistic, noting that the President does not earn such an amount in four years.

“This does not add up. By setting this law, the National Assembly is making elections purely commercial,” he said.

Idowu further questioned the basis for the spending limits for governors and presidential candidates, noting the wide variation in local government areas across states.

“How did they arrive at N3 billion for governors? Kano has 44 local governments, Bayelsa has eight. Yet, the same amount applies to both. Then, the President is pegged at N10 billion. Where is the data to justify this?” he asked.

He also emphasized that the decision appears neither backed by law nor supported by statistical data.

“The narrative we keep raising is simple: the decision lacks factual basis, and the President’s salary over four years does not come close to this amount,” Idowu added.

The 2022 Electoral Act had previously set spending limits, but the National Assembly’s review, considering inflation, has now sparked debate among civil society organizations, who warn that such measures could compromise transparency and electoral integrity.