INEC Seeks Increased Funding Ahead Of 2027 General Elections
INEC Pushes for Improved Financial Support
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for increased and sustained funding to strengthen its operations ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing rising election costs, expanding responsibilities and the need to improve staff welfare.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the appeal during a visit by the commission’s management team to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.
He said enhanced funding would enable the electoral body to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate and consolidate public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Expanding Electoral Responsibilities Raise Costs
Amupitan explained that INEC’s responsibilities extend beyond organising presidential, governorship and legislative elections to include continuous voter registration, political party registration and the management of pre-election and post-election processes.
He noted that governorship elections alone often cost more than the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly elections because of the logistics and operational demands involved.
The INEC chairman added that the commission maintains offices in the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government currently funding its nationwide operations.
Chairman Raises Concern Over Staff Retention
The INEC chairman stressed that improved remuneration and welfare packages are essential to retaining experienced personnel and sustaining institutional efficiency.
He revealed that the commission has lost some skilled workers to migration in recent years, attributing the trend partly to inadequate salaries and welfare incentives.
According to him, the situation could worsen as more experienced officials approach retirement, making investment in staff training, technology and institutional capacity increasingly important.
Amupitan maintained that better working conditions would enhance staff morale while strengthening public trust in the credibility of future elections.
RMAFC Pledges Continued Collaboration
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to transparent and credible elections, Amupitan announced that the commission is preparing for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for 16 January 2027, and governorship and State Assembly elections fixed for 6 February 2027.
He also disclosed that the Osun State governorship election will hold on 15 August, while noting that recent elections in Ekiti State and several bye-elections received positive local and international assessments.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu acknowledged the enormous responsibilities placed on INEC and commended the commission’s record of conducting elections since 1999.
He assured the electoral body of the commission’s continued support and pledged sustained collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 polls.
