Bukola Afeni
Kimpact Development Initiative has said lack of Transparency in campaign finances has affected political participation in the last Edo and Ondo State Elections.
The Head of Research and Strategy at KDI, Oluwafemi Adebayo said the true extent of funding sources and expenditure remains unclear, making it challenging to assess the efficacy of campaign spending.
He disclosed this at the Campaign Finance Report Public Presentation and Dashboard launch in Abuja.
He added that the report indicated that the income of political parties and candidates from where financial resources are spent on campaigns is not transparent or fully known.
In the same vein, he said monitoring campaign finances proved to be a daunting task.
“Many political parties, candidates, and media outlets are reluctant to disclose financial details. Additionally, independent campaign organizations operating outside party structures are a bit complicated in their operations “, he said.
Adebayo highlighted that campaign events had taken centre stage in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“With a whopping 54% and 56% of total campaign expenditure in the 2024 Edo and Ondo state gubernatorial elections, respectively, going towards the campaign events.”
He further added that there has been a direct Voter Engagement on the Rise in both Edo and Ondo states.
“Candidates in both states have focused heavily on direct voter engagement through rallies, town halls, and other in-person events as their primary campaign strategy. The approach allows politicians to connect with voters, understand their concerns, and showcase their vision for the future.”
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, emphasized the need to keep political financing within legal limits.
“Campaign financing has historically hindered many credible individuals from contesting elections due to the high costs involved.
“It is a very bitter pill for candidates and political parties to swallow. It has been a barrier to the participation of many credible individuals in the political space from time immemorial,” he said.
He further called for accountability in political and campaign financing.
