The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for increased and sustained funding ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealing that governorship elections alone cost more to conduct than the combined presidential and National Assembly polls.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Mohammed Shehu, in Abuja.
Amupitan said the commission required adequate financial support to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities, which include conducting elections for the President, Vice President, National Assembly, governors, state Houses of Assembly and Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory, as well as voter registration and political party registration.
“The cost of conducting governorship elections alone exceeds that of the presidential and National Assembly elections combined,” he said, stressing the need for improved budgetary allocations and timely release of funds to ensure successful elections.
According to the INEC chairman, the commission also bears the financial burden of pre-election and post-election activities, including litigation arising from party primaries and election petitions.
He noted that INEC maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and the country’s 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government currently funding the extensive nationwide operations.
Amupitan also sought improved welfare packages for INEC personnel, warning that inadequate remuneration had contributed to the loss of experienced staff through migration.
“We have lost some experienced personnel to migration in recent times, partly due to inadequate remuneration. As more experienced officers approach retirement, there is a risk of a widening skills gap within the commission,” he said.
He added that better welfare conditions would boost staff morale, preserve institutional knowledge and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The INEC chairman further advocated greater investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and staff training, describing them as essential to sustaining the commission’s efficiency and credibility.
Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to credible elections, Amupitan announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.
He also disclosed that the commission would conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026, noting that recent governorship and bye-elections conducted by INEC had received local and international commendation.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr Mohammed Shehu, commended INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and pledged support for the commission’s efforts to deliver credible polls in 2027.
“We recognise the enormous responsibilities entrusted to INEC across the federal, state and local government levels. Given its nationwide presence, its operational demands are substantial, and we remain committed to supporting its mandate,” Shehu said.
He assured the electoral body of continued collaboration, adding that RMAFC would remain open to engagement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
