The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for increased and sustained funding ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the growing cost of conducting elections requires greater financial support.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, conducting governorship elections alone now costs more than organising the presidential and National Assembly elections combined, highlighting the enormous financial burden on the electoral body.
He explained that INEC’s responsibilities go beyond conducting elections, noting that the commission also oversees continuous voter registration, political party registration, election petitions arising from party primaries and other electoral activities.
The INEC chairman added that the commission operates offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government currently funding its nationwide operations.
Amupitan also called for better welfare packages for INEC staff, warning that poor remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel to migration and could create a shortage of skilled workers as more employees approach retirement.
He stressed the need for greater investment in electoral technology, infrastructure and staff training to strengthen the commission’s capacity and ensure credible elections.
“Improved welfare and adequate funding are essential to sustaining institutional efficiency and delivering free, fair and transparent elections,” he said.
The INEC chairman disclosed that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.
He also announced that the commission will conduct the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026, adding that recent elections conducted by INEC had received both local and international commendation.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, praised INEC for its consistency in conducting elections since 1999 and assured the commission of continued collaboration to support the successful delivery of the 2027 polls.
