Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said the commission cannot be genuinely independent unless it enjoys full financial autonomy, warning that dependence on the normal budget approval process weakens its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
Speaking at the public presentation of “Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999–2023),” a book written by THISDAY Managing Director, Eniola Bello, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Amupitan said Nigeria must strengthen its institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, although the Constitution provides that INEC’s funding should come from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the commission still relies on the regular appropriation process, making genuine financial independence difficult.
“Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,” Amupitan said.
He explained that depending on other institutions for budget approvals could affect the commission’s operational independence and public confidence in the electoral process.
“The Constitution places INEC’s funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and many believe that is sufficient. However, experience has shown that as long as INEC remains subject to the normal appropriation process and depends on budgetary approvals by other institutions, genuine financial independence remains difficult,” he added.
Amupitan noted that INEC’s responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections. According to him, the commission also registers voters and political parties, monitors political parties, maintains the national voters’ register, and supports aspects of local government elections.
He argued that granting INEC greater financial and operational autonomy would improve efficiency and strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The INEC chairman also stressed that credible elections are a collective responsibility and should not rest on the commission alone.
“When we talk about strengthening institutions, people often think only of INEC. But the media, security agencies, civil society organisations and the Nigerian people all have important roles to play. The health of our democracy depends on the strength of these institutions,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure the 2027 general elections are peaceful, transparent and credible.
On the appointment of INEC’s leadership, Amupitan said the Constitution already provides safeguards by requiring the President to appoint the Chairman and National Commissioners in consultation with the Council of State and subject to Senate confirmation.
However, he maintained that Nigeria’s challenge is often not the law itself but those responsible for implementing it.
“Sometimes, however, the issue is not the law itself but those who operate it,” he said.
Amupitan also praised Eniola Bello’s two-volume publication, describing it as an important contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development. He said the book documents the country’s political journey from 1999 to 2023 and offers valuable lessons as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
Source: THISDAY.
