Amupitan Says INEC Needs Financial Autonomy To Be Truly Independent

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan says the electoral commission needs stronger financial autonomy if Nigeria wants a more independent election manager before 2027.

Amupitan said the commission cannot be truly independent while it still depends on the normal budget approval process, even though INEC funding is placed on the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023), a book by THISDAY Managing Director Eniola Bello.

Amupitan said the current arrangement still leaves the commission relying on approvals by other institutions, which can weaken its operational independence and affect preparations for elections.

He argued that INEC needs enough control over its finances and operations to plan ahead, move materials, maintain systems and run election duties without uncertainty over releases and approvals.

The INEC chairman also said credible elections are not INEC’s job alone. Political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society groups and voters all have roles to play in protecting the process.

He said the commission’s work goes beyond election-day voting. He pointed to voter registration, party registration, party monitoring and maintenance of the national voter register as reasons the commission needs reliable funding and operational room.

The remarks come as attention turns to the 2027 general elections and the reforms needed to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post