INEC Chair Seeks More Funding Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has asked the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission for increased and more consistent funding ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amupitan made the appeal during a courtesy visit to RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Bello Shehu in Abuja. He said INEC’s responsibilities stretch across presidential, National Assembly, governorship, state assembly and Federal Capital Territory area council elections, as well as voter registration and political-party regulation.

Vanguard reported that Amupitan said governorship elections alone cost more to conduct than presidential and National Assembly elections combined. He also pointed to the cost of pre-election and post-election litigation, including petitions arising from party primaries.

Daily Post reported that the INEC chairman asked for better staff welfare and stronger operational funding, saying the commission maintains offices in all 36 states, the FCT and 774 local government areas. He warned that weak remuneration could make it harder to retain experienced personnel.

The reports said Amupitan also called for investment in infrastructure, electoral technology and staff training. He linked those areas to the commission’s ability to protect institutional knowledge and run credible elections.

The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are set for February 6, 2027. INEC is also preparing for an off-cycle governorship election in Osun State on August 15, 2026.

RMAFC’s chairman was reported to have acknowledged the scale of INEC’s responsibilities and pledged continued engagement with the commission.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post