**The Grand Enabler: How INEC Fuels Nigeria's Corruption** Nigeria's electoral commission, INEC, has become the linchpin of the country's grand corruption system. Rather than acting as a neutral referee, INEC has evolved into a key enabler of public sector corruption. Its failure to regulate political finance and prevent illicit funds from seeping into the electoral process creates a fertile ground for prebendalism to thrive. Prebendalism, a term coined by Professor Yusuf Dankofa, refers to the notion that elective and public offices are viewed as spoils to be captured and distributed among a network of ethnic, religious, and political clients. This system has become deeply entrenched in Nigeria, and INEC's role in perpetuating it cannot be overstated. The financial implications of INEC's regulatory failure are staggering. Between 2018 and 2026, the commission's budget for national elections has skyrocketed from ₦240 billion to ₦873 billion – a 260% increase. This astronomical rise is not a result of efficiency gains or technological advancements but rather a symptom of a deeper rot. INEC's refusal to modernize its procedures has created an opaque system that favors candidates backed by wealthy godfathers and financiers. This creates a vicious cycle of corruption in Nigeria's public sector. To win an election, a candidate must possess a war chest that defies all legal limits. Where does this money come from? It is often siphoned from the budgets of ministries, departments, and agencies of government, putting immense pressure on the system. INEC's inaction on electoral finance regulation has significant consequences for Nigeria's development. The country's taxpayers are forced to bear the brunt of inefficiency, while the system remains rigged in favor of those with the deepest pockets. It is imperative that INEC takes concrete steps to reform its processes, leverage technology, and ensure that elections are free from illicit influence. Until then, Nigeria's corruption cycle will continue to spin out of control, leaving the country's development prospects in tatters.