New Campaign Spending Limits: A Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy?

New Campaign Spending Limits: A Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy?

The House of Representatives’ decision to sharply increase campaign spending limits for candidates seeking elective offices has sparked concerns about the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Professor Murtala Muhammad, a political scientist, warns that the new thresholds could turn elections into contests of financial power rather than ideas, competence, and public trust .

The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 has increased the maximum amount a presidential candidate can spend from N5 billion to N10 billion, while the limit for governorship candidates has risen from N1 billion to N3 billion. The spending ceilings for other levels have also been raised, with senatorial candidates now allowed to spend up to N500 million and House of Representatives candidates permitted to spend N250 million .

Professor Muhammad argues that the new limits shut the door on ordinary citizens, grassroots leaders, women, and young people who do not have access to huge financial resources. He warns that the changes could accelerate Nigeria’s drift from popular democracy to “plutocracy,” where money dictates who gets elected and who holds influence .

The increased spending limits could lead to a number of negative consequences, including:

Candidates may see public office as a means to recover campaign expenses, fueling corruption and misuse of public funds.
Excessive money in politics could promote vote buying and transactional politics, undermining the integrity of election outcomes.
The new limits could weaken INEC, damage institutional credibility, and ultimately undermine Nigeria’s democratic project.