INEC calls for quick release of funds for 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked for the quick release of funds from its 2026 budget. They say getting this money on time is important for preparing for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the request at a World Press Conference on Tuesday. He mentioned that preparing for the elections needs good financial support.

Amupitan said the Federal Government has been releasing the budgeted funds, but INEC still needs the remaining money to carry out its tasks without any issues. "Executing a national election of this magnitude requires good financial backing and fiscal discipline."

He added, "The Federal Government has maintained its commitment to democratic governance through the timely release of statutory budgetary allocations to the commission, operating under a framework of transparent fiscal management."

These funds have helped INEC meet its obligations to international vendors, finance the production of important election technology, improve fiscal infrastructure, and support operations around the country.

"However, we expect the prompt release of the remaining budgets to ensure smooth execution of the activities,” Amupitan said.

INEC made this request as it looks ahead to its funding needs for the 2026 budget and spending plans for the 2027 elections, where the presidential election is set for January.

In February, while discussing its budget with the National Assembly, Amupitan shared that the Federal Ministry of Finance offered a budget of N140 billion. However, INEC's total proposed spending for that year was N171 billion.

The proposed N171 billion includes N109 billion for staff costs, N18.7 billion for overheads, N42.63 billion for election-related activities, and N1.4 billion for capital expenditures.

INEC also informed the National Assembly that it will need N873.78 billion to carry out the 2027 general elections. This budget covers N379.75 billion for operational costs, N92.32 billion for administrative expenses, N209.21 billion for technology, N154.91 billion for election capital expenses, and N42.61 billion for other costs.

The issue of funding has appeared many times in INEC's preparations for the upcoming elections. In June, the commission said it had not yet received budget allocations specifically for the 2027 elections, but it continued its preparations as planned.

Amupitan added that INEC has started buying new equipment and making other preparations. This includes purchasing 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices, more voting cubicles, and new vehicles for operations.

He also mentioned that INEC is building special storage facilities for the BVAS, renovating its offices across the country, and upgrading its technology infrastructure.