House of Reps Raises Campaign Spending Limits for Elective Offices
House of Reps Raises Campaign Spending Limits for Elective Offices
The House of Representatives has approved a significant upward review of campaign spending limits for candidates contesting elective positions in Nigeria.
The decision, taken during plenary yesterday, amends existing provisions of the Electoral Act to reflect higher ceilings on election campaign expenditures across all levels of government. Lawmakers said the move was aimed at aligning spending limits with current economic realities and rising campaign costs.
Under the approved amendment, presidential candidates can now spend up to ₦10 billion, an increase from the previous ₦5 billion limit. Governorship candidates’ spending cap was raised from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, while senatorial candidates can now spend ₦500 million, up from ₦100 million.
For House of Representatives candidates, the ceiling was increased from ₦70 million to ₦250 million. Candidates for State Houses of Assembly will now be allowed to spend ₦100 million, compared to the former ₦30 million limit.
At the local government level, the spending cap for chairmanship candidates was raised from ₦30 million to ₦100 million, while councillorship candidates’ limit was doubled from ₦5 million to ₦10 million.
The amendment also sets a new donation threshold, stipulating that no individual or entity may donate more than ₦500 million to a candidate.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters arguing it reflects economic realities, while critics warn it could further entrench money politics and disadvantage grassroots candidates ahead of future elections.
