INEC seeks more funding for 2027 polls

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has revealed that conducting governorship elections alone costs more than the combined expenses of the presidential and National Assembly elections, as he appealed for increased and sustained funding ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Shehu, in Abuja, describing the meeting as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between both federal institutions.

According to INEC, its constitutional responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, governors, state Houses of Assembly and the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils.

The commission also oversees continuous voter registration, political party registration and handles financial obligations arising from pre-election and post-election activities, including election petitions from party primaries.

The INEC chairman noted that the commission maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government bearing the cost of running the nationwide structure.

He stressed the need for improved welfare packages for INEC personnel, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced staff to migration, while many others are approaching retirement.

According to him, better welfare, improved infrastructure funding, greater investment in electoral technology and continuous staff training are essential to preserving institutional knowledge, boosting staff morale and sustaining public confidence in the electoral process.

Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission remained committed to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

He disclosed that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

He also announced that INEC would conduct the Osun State off-cycle governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that the commission’s recent governorship election in Ekiti State and several bye-elections had attracted commendation both locally and internationally.

Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Shehu commended INEC for consistently conducting elections since 1999 and pledged the commission’s support towards ensuring the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

He acknowledged the enormous operational demands placed on INEC due to its nationwide presence and assured the electoral body of continued collaboration in support of its constitutional mandate.

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