By Media360Impact
ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for increased and sustained funding to strengthen its operations and improve staff welfare ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in Abuja.
According to Amupitan, the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between both institutions as the Commission intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He noted that INEC’s constitutional responsibilities extend far beyond conducting presidential and governorship elections.
The Commission is also responsible for continuous voter registration, political party registration, election logistics, and the management of various pre-election and post-election processes.
The INEC Chairman said the financial demands of conducting elections have continued to rise, explaining that governorship elections now cost more than the combined expenses of presidential and National Assembly elections.
He added that the Commission also bears the cost of election petitions arising from party primaries, alongside several legal and administrative obligations associated with the electoral process.
Amupitan further disclosed that INEC maintains offices in all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the country’s 774 local government areas, with the Federal Government responsible for funding the nationwide infrastructure and operational costs.
He stressed that improved funding should also prioritise staff welfare, warning that inadequate remuneration has contributed to the loss of experienced personnel, while many others are approaching retirement.
According to him, the Commission risks losing valuable institutional knowledge unless salaries, welfare packages, and career incentives are improved to retain skilled professionals.
He argued that increased investment in staff welfare, electoral technology, infrastructure, and capacity building would enhance the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of future elections.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to credible elections, Amupitan said preparations for the 2027 general elections are already underway.
He announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on February 6, 2027.
The INEC Chairman also disclosed that the Osun State governorship election will take place on August 15, 2026, adding that the Commission’s conduct of the recent Ekiti governorship election and several bye-elections received commendation from both domestic and international observers.
Responding, RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, commended INEC for sustaining democratic elections in Nigeria since 1999 despite the enormous logistical and operational challenges involved.
He assured the electoral commission of RMAFC’s continued collaboration and support, expressing confidence in INEC’s ability to deliver credible elections in 2027
